Anastasia Cover Reveal ~ Nevermore PR

Best Selling Author Dawn White's new zombie short story series

Cover Design by Nevermore PR 's Brandy Dull

Anastasia’s entire family had been killed by something quite un-natural. She has her own obstacles to face lets follow the journey to see what happens with Anastasia and The Dregg Chronicles.

*By Dawn White*

To Be Released 4/5/2013

The Promise - Nevermore PR Blog Tour

Demon Dolan Ciar exists on three simple words: desire, denial, and destruction. Every four years, he is allowed one night of earthly passion to punish a deserving female. By the time he is finished, his victims are left as willing receptacles for demons yet to come.

Since she was four, a demon has been the only constant in Leora Desmond's life. He taught her how to seize control, to never give up, and to take whatever she wanted. At twenty-four, her self-centered existence is focused on one thing. She wants Dolan, and she won't be dissuaded.

A mistake brought Dolan to Leora. A promise bound him to her. Returning once again to ask for his freedom, he is faced with Leora demanding to be his next conquest. The ultimate retribution would
be to take from her the ultimate symbol of her selfishness.

Now, Dolan must decide if he can doom her to life in living hell or face his own set of unearthly consequences, while Leora must choose between her pleasure and her heart.

The Promise blurs the line between good and evil, desire and love, and promises and commitment.

The Promise by Kim Carmichael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Official Rating: 4-4½♥'s

This is a spicier novella that sounded promising. Once I read the blurb, I was intrigued and had to read the full story. I've also been on an adult kick, so this sounded right up my alley.

This story is short, but extremely satisfying- one of the most satisfying novellas I have ever read (for a 'full' story and characterization within a shorter length). I really can't get over how much I enjoyed this. Usually, the shorter the story, the harder time I have with really connecting with it. But not so with The Promise.

Make no mistake, this is an adult read. Steamy but not porn, and takes a while to build. No worries about insta-love or artificial plots.

It's almost mind-boggling; The Promise takes place on 6 evenings, spanning 20 years(confusing seeing it written like that but it makes sense, I promise). In such a defined and narrow prescribed time frame, I was concerned at first.

Didn't really like the female, she was a 'female dog' (to avoid swearing). I don't feel it was a 'deal breaker' situation; the reader (me at least) can still enjoy this book regardless of how they feel about the individual characters. After all, one of them is a demon. Somehow, they really suited each other. Seeing the outwardly appearing 'innocent' act like an evil conniving (insert cuss-word insult here) while the self-proclaimed 'demon' actually be a saving grace in a way. Who knew being bad could be this good?

I received a free eBook via Nevermore PR Blog Tours in exchange for a review. 

My thoughts are my own.

Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her love of happy endings inspired
her to create her own. She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own
computer whiz after he proved he could keep her all her gadgets running. When not writing, she
can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their
practices.

Website: www.kimcarmichaelnovels.com

Twitter: @kimcarmichael4

Excerpt:

He tilted his head. "You look older."

She forced herself to blink and to remember her goal. "Then I assume I am at last old enough to be a fit for a demon." She stepped forward, stopping less than a foot away from him. The back of her throat dried out, and she swallowed.

He put his hand to his chin, his gaze taking her in. "This old song and dance. When will you use the brains you have and leave it alone?"

His words hit her, but rather than retreating, she moved closer. The energy, the tingle, the wafts of spice encompassed her and lured her toward him. "Never."

"You were smart last time. Why don't you release me so I can do what I came here for." He glanced down at her and then shifted his focus beyond her. "I have needs as well."

"Tonight I am the one you came here for." The mention of his last visit stung, but she willed herself to keep going. She ran her fingers up the buttons of his shirt. "You always told me to take
control."

He shook his head. "A lesson you learned well."

She reached up and clenched his collar in her fist. "I let you go last time, but tonight I am the one you need."

He grabbed her wrist. "I spared you before. Never forget that."

She stared right into his eyes. No weakness was allowed tonight. "It's me, Dolan. Me, or you can be celibate until the decade I do you the favor of dying. I don't care about your pain." She tensed, preparing herself for his retaliation.

"I thought I taught you better than to make demands of a demon." He pressed his palm to the side of her face.

Heat radiated through her body, sending a warning to every one of her nerve endings. "A demon who comforts a child is a failure of a demon in my book."

His jaw tightened. "That was a mistake. An oversight."

Vacant ~Adult Version~ CBL Tours

 

Ethan Parker gets up every day, surviving the only way he knows how—alone. Orphaned as a child and forced into the child welfare system, he knows better than to depend on anyone but himself. He’s learned trust is a word used all too often, but rarely earned. Ethan believes that his best chance for maintaining a simple and solitary existence is to live by a simple mantra: Don’t get involved. Keep things simple. Take care of yourself! When a young woman moves in next door, Ethan is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. He tries to keep his distance, but his new neighbor’s infectious smile and outlook on life leave him struggling with the decision of living the life he knows, or taking a chance on the unexpected. As Ethan develops a relationship with his new neighbor, Emily, he realizes nothing is simple and learns that life is about more than just surviving... it’s about living. 

**This version contains sexual content only suitable for adult audiences.**

Vacant [Adult version] by Evelyn R. Baldwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, but very interesting. I'm not a huge fan of novellas, in all honesty. But the cover, blurb, and the fact that it's intended for 'adult' audiences really grabbed my attention. I just had to give it a try. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed it.

Although the adult version, it wasn't quite as hot as I expected. I like the story, I like the characters... it was kind of tantalizing, just enough to care about the characters but leaves you wanting more. I also felt that the 'adult' parts of the book were very organic. It wasn't a string of bedroom scenes with a patchwork plot to hold it together. Quite the opposite. No insta-love, but rather more innocent desire that slowly builds.

Ethan is soft, shy, and has such a good heart. It's always lovely to get to 'hear' the male POV in a book. There isn't nearly enough of that out there. He had been given a rough hand in life; raised in 'the system'. Despite his best efforts to just carve out a large enough space to exist and only interact with the world in the narrowest of definitions, someone gets through his defenses and worms her way into his life. I love how all his attempts to hold 'life' at arm's reach were as useless as wet toilet paper tent.

Emily was this odd combination of naive and jaded. We don't get as many looks into her POV, so I wasn't as connected with her side of the story. I'll also admit there was that split second thought, for a moment, when I knew it was an 'adult' book and felt uncomfortable with Emily. There was this awkwardness that permeated the spicy scenes that just deflated passion. I wasn't overjoyed with Emily overall, but was OK with everything by the end.

Overall, it's a lovely romance with more realistic between the sheets action rather than a glossed-over, dramatic, artificial romances. Good book to slip between others or for a light, but more true-to-life romance.

I received a free eBook via CBL Tours in exchange for a review. My thoughts are my own.

Eden-South Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Eden-South by Janelle Stalder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Sitting in Stunned Awe*

*Trying to regain the ability to communicate*

I don't know if there are words enough to describe this series accurately. It's exactly what YA fantasy should be like, an amazing array of characters- so there is bound to be at least one that a reader can really identify with and love. It has a heavy helping of violence and touches upon adult themes, but I do not feel it's out of reach or too much for a younger audience.

The story so far has spanned across three amazing books, and keeps surprising me more with each one. There is always some elements that are a bit more predictable, but the ones that you don't see coming (like in this book) really warp your noodle. It can be more of a challenge to keep so many subplots and characters together to keep each book, and the series as a whole, cohesive. The Eden series, and Eden-South really succeeds with this task, and knocks it right out of the park.

Another absolutely stunning thing about these books, just when you've 'assigned' someone as a 'bad guy'- you've accepted it in your head and are ready to 'hate' that character... *BAM* Everything is turned on its head, and you feel for that 'bad' character. In the first book, I was so conflicted because I loved the 'bad' boy the most. This book cements that, and continues this practice with other 'bad guys'. Very rarely have I see this technique pulled off to the degree it is in these books. Except for Aziz, that man (or whatever he is) is a snake and I can't see anything redeeming him in my eyes.

One thing I noticed, a bit different with this, is although Aiden is a HUGE unifying character across the books, this particular book is not really his story. I would instead consider this to be Elisa's and another character's story (I don't want to define the other character, as I feel even that knowledge may be a bit of a spoiler and I wouldn't dream of hindering anyone's enjoyment of this installment of the series.) We still continue with many of the beloved characters and the tension between Wolf and Elisa is taken to an entirely new level.

If you've enjoyed the series so far, this part of it cannot be missed. It was my favorite thus far in the series. Run out as soon as it's available! It's a great book, and series, for older and YA audiences alike!

I received an ARC directly from the author. 

No compensation was received, and my thoughts on the book are entirely my own.

Click HERE to add Eden-South to your GoodReads Shelf!

The Eden Series

Eden Synopsis:

Trapped within the cruel world of hormones and bullies, fifteen-year-old Aiden is convinced life has more to offer him. His instincts are proven correct on the night he is awakened by a voice calling to him from outside his window. As he sleepily peers into his yard, his eyes slowly focus on a woman who says she is there to take him to Eden. Aiden is about to fulfill the life purpose he never knew he had.

It is in Eden, a land on the brink of war, where Aiden will finally learn to trust himself and those around him. Accompanied by Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer, Elisa, Aiden is soon thrust into a battle to save Eden. Meanwhile Elisa, the only girl in the King's Army, is in the midst of her own struggles.  Betrothed to a man she has no intention of marrying, Elisa is caught between the need to prove herself and her desire for true happiness. And now that she has met Aiden, she is more confused than ever.

In this action-packed fantasy tale, romance, adventure, and intrigue surround Aiden as he learns just what he is capable of when he discovers confidence and courage.

 Amazon | Amazon Paperback | Barnes and Noble

Eden-West Synopsis:

New beginnings, new conflicts, and new adventures arise in the second installment of the Eden Series, Eden-West.

Months after his initial journey to Eden, Aiden is learning to cope with his own transformation. His social status has changed, his friendship with his best friend Ethan is in jeopardy because of it, and worst of all, he has heard absolutely nothing from his new friends in Eden. What has become of the world he fell in love with? Are his friends safe? Is the war over? With no answers, and no hope for contact, Aiden decides to focus on his life in his world.

Just as he makes this decision, he encounters a familiar bright light and thinks he knows exactly what it means. Except the light isn’t at all what he expects and neither is the person behind it. When Aiden returns to Eden, it is to a whole new part of that special world, and a whole new set of adventures.

Weeks after Aiden was returned to his own world, Elisa is sent to Nysa, the revered Southern city, to retrieve the one thing she’d rather avoid – Wolf. Captain Turk instructed her to get in and get out - but that is easier said than done. When she finds her missing friend, she also stumbles upon a great deal of trouble. This trouble goes by one name – Markus, the leader of the Sun People.

Follow all your favorite characters as they ready themselves for battle and fight for a world threatened to be destroyed.

Amazon | Amazon Paperback | Barnes and Noble

Eden-South Synopsis:
The betrayal that tore a family apart. Two brothers bent on destroying the other. A whole world on the brink of war.
Aiden has been through his second battle in the magical world of Eden. The victory is short lived and Aiden is sent racing toward his friends in the Capital. After being back in Eden with the Riders, he is eager to reunite with Wolf, Elisa and Logan, although he doesn’t realize just what he’s returning to. Surprises await him when he arrives in the Capital; his close-knit group of friends is slowly falling apart. On top of it all, another battle is just around the corner, one that will change everything.
Rain has made her choice, and now she is in some unknown fortress with the feared sorcerer, Aziz. She wants nothing more but to please him, but being his Queen isn’t as easy as she thought. While trying to learn sorcery, and dealing with Aziz’s advances, Rain is finding her new life a bit overwhelming. Just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, she discovers a secret of Aziz’s, and it is nothing she could have expected.
Rose has supported Callum throughout their journey, but now that the final battle is just around the corner she is faced with a hard reality. Everything she has gained with him could be taken away. Is she willing to live the rest of her life without him? Can she just stand by while he destroys everything, including himself? Will he ever be able to find peace? Will she?

In the third installment of the Eden Series fates will be decided, and the battle between
brothers that has been a decade in the making will finally come to an end. Only one of them can be High King.

The battle starts now.

Amazon | Amazon Paperback | Barnes and Noble

Praise for Janelle Stalder and Eden-South

“Eden-South is jam packed with heart-stopping action, eye-watering emotion and breathtaking romance. I love this series and I will definitely read it over and over again, it is without a doubt a must-read for everyone.”
Kayleigh Gore – K-Books

“It was my favorite thus far in the series. Run out as soon as it's available! It's a great book, and series, for older and YA audiences alike!”
Alana Rock – Dark Obsession Chronicles

“It’s not often that you want more than to enjoy a book but to crawl in the page and experience it. This is it. The world building is fantastic. The cast is amazing. I’m surely in love with each of the guys in the book…This is just a full body cast. I haven’t met many authors who could write so many characters and you don’t feel cheated that you didn’t get enough of your favorite…The writing is phenomenal and spectacular world building and cast. You won’t be disappointed by this one. Those that love Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, and Divergent will surely enjoy this series.”
Terri – My Book Boyfriend

About the Author

Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other indie authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she’s not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Amazon Author Page

Janelle's Website

Twitter

Facebook

GoodReads

1 Grand Prize Winner will receive:

1 personalized and signed paperback copy of Eden, Eden-West, and Eden-South by Janelle Stalder

1 Custom Bookmark Inspired by The Eden Series

1 Limited Edition Map

5 Winners will receive:

1 digital copy of Eden-South by Janelle Stalder

1 "Paper Punch" Bracelet Inspired by The Eden Series and signed by Janelle
Stalder

10 Winners will receive:

1 digital copy of Eden by Janelle Stalder

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eden-South Tour Schedule

3/25 K-Books

3/26 shareAread

3/27 You Are Here

3/28 My Book Boyfriend

3/29 Up All Night Reviews

3/29 LovLivLife Reviews

3/30 I Read and Tell

3/31 Tana Some of My Favorite Books

4/1 Lola Book Reviews

4/2 Tiffany

4/3 Mostly Reviews

4/4 Random Jendsmit

4/5 Emerald

4/6 Passionate Book Divas

4/7 MagLuvsYA

4/8 Donnie Darko Girl

4/9 DoctorsNotes

4/10 A.M. Hargrove

4/11 Book Addict

Shooting Stars Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Shooting Stars Synopsis

Once upon a time, a common boy fell in love with a princess. It was a hopeless, forbidden love, grown in a world where sorcery and magic rule over all. Now, dark times are brewing, and destiny will bring them together, while fate works to keep them apart. Extraordinary battles will be fought, and extraordinary choices made. Join the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga for the beginning of a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, of hope and love and loss, of desperate wishes made on stars.

Book Info

Title: Shooting Stars (A Surah Stormsong Novel #1)
Author: H.D. Gordon
Publisher: ShareAread
Release Date: March 15th, 2013
Formats: E-book
Goodreads TBR: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17453446-shooting-stars
Cover Artist: Regina Wamba

Keep Reading for the Giveaway 

at the Bottom of Post!

My Review

I've had a really hard time putting into words what I feel about Shooting Stars.  I was invited by Sharearead to be included on the beta, and for that I that all of you lovely ladies at Sharearead and the author, H.D. Gordon.

Seriously, I don't think it's possible for H.D. Gordon to write a bad, or even average book.  I've loved each and every work, often for different reasons.  Shooting Stars is no exception.

One of the strongest points of this book are the characters, and ultimately, I think this really is Surah's and Charlie's story - so they better be good characters!  Surah is strong and capable, but born a princess and lived a relatively privileged life.  With her lavender hair, she almost brings to mind a Disney Princess gone wild (although I'd never say it to her face and hope to keep mine intact.)  Charlie is swoon-worthy and has an almost down-home, country music star appeal.  It's tantalizing and touchable; Charlie pulls off sensitive without the pussy ponytail and without bruising his male ego.  Although, his family on the other hand... it's like being the love child of Voldemort or something.  I know, you're saying, "Alana, cryptic much?"

Something must be mentioned about Samson.  I adore that tiger, so much.  I imagine it's practically every girl's dream to have some lovely tiger to be a companion and protect us... or is was that just me?  I didn't want some stinkin' pony- give me my tiger!  Samson himself is such a vivid character which really took me by surprise.  He wasn't there just to be cute and fierce, oh, no, there is a story there that does not get swept under the carpet!  I loved that even the seeming side characters are fully explored and even handed the story reins a bit. 

Overall, it's a slow burn romance, so super spicy this is not, but still has those melt-your-heart moments with hearts in your eyes while reading.  Like the song, Oh, that song!  *Sigh*

It really has a little something for everyone, I think.  Magic, death, love, demons, prison, tigers, blood, guitar... everything you'd need for a fabulous book date!  Fear not, if you were concerned about not having read Gordon's previous Alexa Montgomery series.  While Surah is first introduced in that series, it's more like a richer back story rather than required prior reading.  (But really, all of Gordon's books are more than worth the read!)

Overall, I loved it.  I'm eager to read more about Surah and Charlie, and hope that there might be a happily-ever-after in the works for them.

My Favorite Quotes...

"She was the girl who walked his dreams, who had walked them since he had just been a boy. 

And now he had to lie to her.  To protect both of them.  He had to lie to her."

"Then a thought came, and it was only one word, a name actually, but it was clear as Sunday morning.

Charlie."

"Maybe I should tell Samson to bite you," she said.  Her head turned to the side again.  "He likes dark meat, you know."

"The tiger stood over by the window, his head lowered and teeth bared in a silent growl, amber eyes glowing the dark room.  And pinned between him and the wall, holding himself impresively still, was Charlie Redmine.

Surah's first coherent thought was, Speak of the devil."

"I gave you an inch, and your took way more than a mile."

"More than the moon loves the night and the sun loves the day."

Early praise for the author

“From the very first sentence the author has you hooked and wanting to read more.”

Tt ~Goodreads

“This debut novel from H.D. Gordon has everything what I love in ya. Romance, suspense,
action, kick ass heroine and of course smokin hot Kayden. I loved every moment of this book
and I found it extremely difficult to put down. “

Patrycja ~ Goodreads

“She keeps the reader's attention throughout the novel with unique twists in the ever
unfolding plot.”

Tiffany {A Purrfect Read} ~Goodreads

Blood Warrior has one of the best Chapter One opening and ending I’ve ever read.

Cecilia Robert ~ Goodreads

About the Author

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa's tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

You can follow H.D. Gordon at:

Blog
Author Facebook Page
Twitter
Goodreads Author Page
H.D.Gordon Facebook page

The Alexa Montgomery Saga

Blood Warrior:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced
to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that
she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is
thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her
as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

My Review

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle
Kobo
Barnes and Noble

Half Black Soul:

In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She's gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she's left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa's other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle
Kobo
Barnes and Noble

The Rise:

The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on
the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an
evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives
within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the
world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa's loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle
Kobo
Barnes and Noble

 
Redemption:

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death waits there for certain.

The only question is... for who?


Buying Links

Amazon Kindle
Kobo
Barnes and Noble

Other Books by H.D. Gordon:

 From the author of the Alexa Montgomery Saga, comes a book that will take
you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people,
and the world of a very special girl named Joe.

Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But
in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color
to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her.

Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make
plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary
people.

Praise for this Title

Check Out My Review

"...was glued to this book, all the way to the very climatic end. ”

Literary Vixen

“ I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with a touch of the
paranormal on the side. ”

A Goddess of Literature

“ Anyway, this story is told from the POV of JOE, and a third person POV of several more
characters. ”

Vanya Petkova

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silent Echoes Blog Tour

 Welcome to the Silent Echoes 

(A Games of Zues Novel)

 Blog Tour!

Silent Echoes is a "Games of Zeus" novel but it's not a traditional mythological conundrum. No, as the author, I’ve taken quite the liberties in creating a situation Zeus could have use to mess with we puny humans. 

So, to have a little fun as Silent Echoes releases this month, my host here at Dark Obsession Chronicles has challenged me to create a Game of Zeus out of Carcassonne!

How could Zues use Carcassonne upon two unsuspecting humans? How could he manipulate a seemingly inocuous game into a maniacal, devious relationship conflict? Oh, let me count the ways ... or rather, let me show you.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a tile-based German-style board game for two to five players. The game board is a medieval landscape built by the players as the game progresses. (There is a 'big bag' of game tiles that each player draws from on their turn.) The game starts with a single terrain tile face up and 71 others shuffled face down for the players to draw from. On each turn, a player draws a new terrain tile and places it adjacent to tiles that are already face up. The new tile must be placed in a way that extends features on the tiles it abuts: roads must connect to roads, fields to fields, and cities to cities. A part of a game board after several turns. After placing each new tile, the placing player may opt to station a piece (called a "follower") on a feature of that newly-placed tile (like a castle, a road, a farm, a monastery ... whatever options appear on that piece.) The placing player may not use a follower to claim any features of the tile that extend or connect features already claimed by another player. However, it is possible for terrain features claimed by opposing players to become "shared" by the subsequent placement of tiles connecting them. For example, two field tiles which each have a follower can become connected into a single field by another terrain tile. The game ends when the last tile has been placed. At that time, all features (including fields) score points for the players with the most followers on them. The player with the most points wins the game.

Before we get to the ultimate Carcassonne Romance ... let me tell you a little about Silent Echoes.

For years, Ian Sands has enjoyed his life as a bachelor, taking advantage of singlehood and exploring his own definition of passion—whoever she may be. Blonde. Brunette. Tall. Short. Hot. Not. Five months ago, all that changed.

Ian’s been celibate, frustrated and desperately seeking answers to why one woman, who doesn’t play by girls’ rules, haunts his every waking moment.

As a renovations specialist, Taylor Marsh lives, works and breathes construction—a profession her southern belle of a mother would rather Taylor not touch. The same goes for Ian; Mama Marsh would never approve of him.

Like Ian, though, each time he and Taylor draw near, something compels her to get closer.

Something else tells her to run away.

Fast.

As much as their histories suggest they shouldn’t be together, neither Taylor nor Ian can deny the pull, and the two succumb, indulging in a relationship that brings pleasure to body, mind and soul.

Doing so, though, also ushers in a series of events both should have foreseen as well as one final outcome neither expected.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15789207-silent-echoes 

http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/26

http://www.aimeelaine.com/?page_id=11234

And now ... 

Carcassonne

I’m seeing a real estate game akin to Monopoly in this German-style game. What could Zeus do with a game where the board is built tile by tile and the player with the most points when it’s all built wins? Let me tell you!

So ... in the world of business, acquisition of real estate is a big and powerful game in and of itself. Pitting two players against each other in the gaining of this ‘land’ is a great conflict, especially with both have a stake in the final piece. Who will get that one last bit? Who’ll ultimately have enough money or enough clout to influence the right people along the way such that when they reach that last moment, they are the victors? Who will be the strategic visionary, capability of masterminding the whole situation.

In this case, both could, so what would Zeus do to twist the end result? Well ... whoever plays the last piece that ends the game forfeits. Now, that’s not how the game is played, you say. Of course it isn’t! That’s the beauty of being a ‘god’ and being able to manipulate anyone in any way. 

If there’s a positive end result for someone, the best way to ruin it is to ensure that the soon-to-be winner becomes the loser. Now how does this play into a relationship game? This soon-to-be-loser will be losing to someone he or she doesn’t love, maybe even doesn’t like, but to regain his or her position as the ‘top dog’ they’re going to do everything they can to be the right-hand-man ... or girl. Yep, if it’s him, he’ll want to marry her just so he can have it all. If it’s her, she’ll do the same. 

Cold and calculating? Surely, but in romance, things will change. They have to, otherwise, we’ll never get a happily ever after. Could two people who had it all, beat each other in a game and end up together survive and thrive? Sure then can in a land of make believe ... or anywhere else.

And there you have it. What do you think? Is Carcassonne a possible Game of Zeus?

Aimee is a romantic at heart and a southern transplant with a bit of the accent (but not a whole bunch). She's married to her high school sweetheart, and with him, she's produced three native North Carolinians, two of whom share the same DNA.

With an MBA and a degree in Applied Mathematics, there's absolutely no reason she should be writing romance novels. Then again, she shouldn't need a calculator to add two numbers, either ... but she does.

http://www.aimeelaine.com

https://twitter.com/aimeelaine

http://www.facebook.com/aimee.laine

 I'm still in the process of reading 

which is the first book in the Games of Zeus series.  This is more of a paranormal romance, as each book follows a different H/h (couple); but you can still learn about some of the characters in Silent Echoes in the first book.  I figured, I should read book one (I'm an anal reader like that...) and my, Oh my!  I'm not done yet, circumstances have created less reading time very recently, but I am loving each and every second of this book, and look forward to Silent Echoes.  It's so hot, it's smokin', and I'm a BIG fan of the hero (and his earring) and have even grown fond of the future hero for book #2.  Men that live "in the gray" are exciting and unpredictible.  It's almost that same thing that draws me to motorcycle romance books as well.  Toeing the line can be such fun!  I will definitely be adding these books to my recommendation list, and can't wait to read Aimee's other titles.  I am just smitten.


Just based upon 62% of Book One... I'm leaning toward this rating:

Shooting Stars Book Blast + Giveaway!

Shooting Stars Synopsis

Once upon a time, a common boy fell in love with a princess. It was a hopeless, forbidden love, grown in a world where sorcery and magic rule over all. Now, dark times are brewing, and destiny will bring them together, while fate works to keep them apart. Extraordinary battles will be fought, and extraordinary choices made. Join the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga for the beginning of a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, of hope and love and loss, of desperate wishes made on stars.

Book Info

Title: Shooting Stars (A Surah Stormsong Novel #1)
Author: H.D. Gordon
Publisher: ShareAread
Release Date: March 15th, 2013
Formats: E-book
Goodreads TBR: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17453446-shooting-stars
Cover Artist: Regina Wamba

Keep Reading for the Giveaway 

at the Bottom of Post!

Early praise for the author

“From the very first sentence the author has you hooked and wanting to read more.”

Tt ~Goodreads

“This debut novel from H.D. Gordon has everything what I love in ya. Romance, suspense,
action, kick ass heroine and of course smokin hot Kayden. I loved every moment of this book
and I found it extremely difficult to put down. “

Patrycja ~ Goodreads

“She keeps the reader's attention throughout the novel with unique twists in the ever
unfolding plot.”

Tiffany {A Purrfect Read} ~Goodreads

Blood Warrior has one of the best Chapter One opening and ending I’ve ever read.

Cecilia Robert ~ Goodreads

About the Author

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa's tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

You can follow H.D. Gordon at:

Blog
Author Facebook Page
Twitter
Goodreads Author Page
H.D.Gordon Facebook page

The Alexa Montgomery Saga

Blood Warrior:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced
to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that
she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is
thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her
as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

My Review

Buying Links

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Half Black Soul:

In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She's gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she's left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa's other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?

Buying Links

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The Rise:

The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on
the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an
evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives
within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the
world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa's loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?

Buying Links

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Kobo
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Redemption:

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death waits there for certain.

The only question is... for who?


Buying Links

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Kobo
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Other Books by H.D. Gordon:

 From the author of the Alexa Montgomery Saga, comes a book that will take
you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people,
and the world of a very special girl named Joe.

Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But
in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color
to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her.

Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make
plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary
people.

Praise for this Title

Check Out My Review

"...was glued to this book, all the way to the very climatic end. ”

Literary Vixen

“ I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with a touch of the
paranormal on the side. ”

A Goddess of Literature

“ Anyway, this story is told from the POV of JOE, and a third person POV of several more
characters. ”

Vanya Petkova

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