Making Connections Blog Tours ~ Judith Ledger

 Blurb:
She knows how to unravel secrets, but getting to the bottom of this one might just kill her.

Magic is for fools, television news reporter Caitlyn believes. And she's no fool. She's determined to prove master illusionist Shay a fake. Somehow though, with Shay the lines between magic and reality blur. Perhaps it's his charisma, or being in Ireland with him, but now she's dreaming of a magical place. One that seems oddly familiar...

Shay hides a terrible secret. He's to blame for Caitlyn's separation from her family and the world she doesn't remember. She must go home to the Sidhe, and to recover his honor, he must be the one to bring her. He'll willingly lose everything he is to help her break the curse binding her. But time is of the essence--the old evil has surfaced. He must make Caitlyn believe in magic, and his love, before she becomes its prey.

A Lyrical Press Paranormal Romance
Goodreads Link

Amazon Buy Link

Buy It at Barnes and Noble 


Blurb:

A vision, a wish, and a journey plagued by evil.

Cold, desolate cliffs and a white dragon’s blue gaze captures Seren Jordan in a terrifying vision. A universe away, Paladin Fulcan--prince, captain, and sorcery-shadowed seed of dragonkind--struggles to overcome his grief during the long journey to where he must bury his wife and son. Seeing a shooting star, he violates the most sacred law of the dragonseed: he makes a wish.

A dragonseed's wish can open the gates between realities, can alter fate. But has fate itself decreed this wish? For the throne-less dragonseed's destiny is entwined with that of a mortal mate; their son is fated to be the One True Dragon King to rule over all the dragons. But not all dragons are content to accept one rule, and the rebels quietly gather allies to prevent the birth of Seren's baby.

Good Reads Link

Amazon Buy Link 

Judith Leger

About the Author: (from GoodReads Author Profile)
For all my life, I've daydreamed. Hero meets heroine, falls in love, and lives happily ever after. The problems that occur in their relationship are over come, melding their hearts together.

My writing tries to capture their essences.

If you love romance with magic, fantasy and memorable characters then you and I have a lot in common.

Goodreads Profile

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Blog 

Ink 3: Black Moon Book Launch!

Slade saved her life...
but none of that matters anymore...

Torn between her love for Slade and her own existence, Hope has to fight to keep one while battling to save the other. They say it all falls apart in the end. Walking away isn’t always easy.
Hope believed in Slade…
But sometimes belief has a horrible way of destroying your life.
Can their love survive or will it all just fall apart?

Check Out My Review of Book #1, Ink 

@ Passionate Book Divas!

I'm reading book two right now... already Slade has continued his lovely playful antics with his lip ring.  *Sigh*  It's been far too long since my last Slade fix.  Hope, Hope, Hope... what are we going to do with you Hope?  One moment, I'm right there with her, "You go girl!" and the next I'm groaning in exasperation.  Also, I may like dark and brooding, but Jimmeny Cricket- not 24/7!  Back to crawl into my book and see about rebuilding my tent...

 

About this author

(Original content found on Goodreads)

I'm a toledoan, born and raised in Toledo, Ohio my whole life pretty much. I was lucky enough to enjoy the south for three years, and I loved it.
I am a mother of four beautiful kids, a wife, sister, friend, reality tv and music junkie. And I enjoy a good book, one that has me laughing so hard I could puke, or maybe something that makes me cry. I have always been one that enjoyed a tear jerker, probably why I am so fond of Grey's anatomy, and Celebrity rehab.
Writing is the road to freedom for me, I have always enjoyed it since I was around 11 years old.
My favorite colors are green, pink and purple.
I am rather scattered in my thinking, and I jump from one thing to another, all day long.
Rob Thomas is simply the best singer/songwriter in my eyes.
And I believe that everything happens for a reason, its cheesy yes, but I really believe it.
I'm a quiet person, I'd rather sit and take my surroundings in then speak most times, but when I do talk I don't know how to shut up.
I have a odd sense of humor, and sometimes I think I am simply hilarious.

To end this bio, I will say I love my family and friends more then anything. I have learned in life that you find amazing family, not always where you think it should be, sometimes family is created along the journey of life. And life is short, so I choose to respect the ones I care about, and forget the ones who are negative.

  Website    Twitter    Goodreads    Amazon

Anyone can enter, and the giveaways ends on July 17th.

The first giveaway is for the 3rd ebook in the series, an ebook by author Brandi Salazar and a $20 Amazon gift card.

Enter 1st Giveaway Here

And the second giveaway is for those who have yet to read the series. The prize is all three in the series (Ink, Twisted Magic, and Black Moon) along with a $10 dollar Amazon gift card.

Enter 2nd Giveaway Here

Branded Book Tour~ Will You Succumb?

Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Genre: YA Dystopian RomanceSuccumb

Goodreads Link

Book Trailer

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadliest sins were the downfall of our society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me.   I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now, every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.

My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Branded by Abi Ketner

"At what point do they believe what's been branded on their skin instead of just knowing who they are inside?"

It was a a jarring tale of a descent into the very bowels of Hell, because I can't imagine Hell being much worse than the world in this book. It's like taking the horrific tales of the Salem Witch Trials, only adding a Dystopian, futuristic post-war society controlled by essentially a sociopath dictator. No trial, or even a sham of one. No jury, just ostracized immediately by everyone you've ever known. Just one accusation and you lose everything. Your home, your family, your freedom, your safety, your dignity; you now belong to the Hole.

“To the outside, I'm filth now. I'll never be allowed to return to the life I knew. No one ever does.”

It's chilling; no Camp Cupcake, no early release for good behavior, no pardons...

Relationship are forbidden between the guards and the sinners. The most dire of consequences await those that disobey this rule. At yet love finds a way in the unlikeliest of places... Why does the forbidden fruit always make the taste that much sweeter? The tender moments of love between Cole and Lexi provide the perfect foil to the bleak reality that slaps them in the face each morning.

“He takes my face into his hand, and reassures me. "So outside of these walls, we can't stand each other."

Despite many other reader's experiences, the beginning did not grab me at first. I think I was getting A Handmaid's Tale flashbacks for a moment, and did a mini freak out and had to take a chapter break. Yes it's YA, yes it's Dystopian, yes it has romance... but it's just SO bleak. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Once I had fortified myself, I was able to continue. Then, oh boy, did I continue. Into the wee hours, greedily (Darn it that's a sin, gotten watch that around this book,) inhaling the pages to find out what happens next. For me, once that initial slump was conquered, I happily climbed the mountain and flung myself into the story.

Lexi, Lexi, Lexi. I'm so conflicted over you. On one hand, you have your fierce moments and on the other hand, you are running head first into trouble like you want to get killed. I have to give a shout out moment here to Duchess Nicole*, I think she mirrors my thoughts on Lexi perfectly:

"She started becoming the idiot girl in a B movie, going into the dark stairway with nothing but a flashlight and her boobs to protect her." This. All of this. Exactly. It wasn't enough to completely throw a wrench in my enjoyment, but it was a there. Some moments, more often fleeting and rare, but I would see strength in Lexi. It's quite the contradiction, I know.

“I never planned on falling for you. You were just an assignment. But it just sort of happened and now... There's not a single thing I would change about you. When you smile, my entire world stops. All I see is you. I need you.”

Okay, I think I have to admit here, and I'm a freak (I'll just say it now) but hands down my favorite character (now I really know I'm in trouble) was Zeus, the dog. He adopted Lexi from the start, couldn't care less why she was there, he was smart and loyal... it really tipped my ratings scales just on Zeus alone. Okay, I know I'm getting jumped by all those Cole fans for putting Zeus first, but maybe I like living on the edge.

I cannot stress the brutality of this book enough. Imagine the Hunger Games meets Gangs of New York, and maybe a dash of the romance and forbidden love from West Side Story and then spray bullets on all that and flesh singeing brands... fluffy this is not. Blood, death, torture, the most base desires of humanity. It's entirely anti-fluffy with a few softer moments that rounded the edges. I can't help but want to continue the series to see what is in store for them!

“You can overcome anything...short of death."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  *Quote is from Duchess Nicole's review of Branded located on GoodReads and can be found by clicking on her name in the above review.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Check out the rest of the stops!

July 15

Book-Marks the Spot

SIK Book Reviews

Pause Time

Into the Night Reviews

Bookwyrming Thoughts

Delphina Reads Too Much

Reader Girls

Nette's Bookshelf Reviews


:

The Mourning After - It Has the "WOW" Factor

WOW

The Mourning After by Adriane Leigh

I really, really, really, really enjoyed this. My eyes were brimming with tears (unshed, but there) through an entire chapter. It was heartbreaking. Bad decisions, broken past...

Very Mild Spoiler, but important for many readers out there: This involved 'cheating'. If you can handle 'cheating' romances (although this is not as intensely moral as some - Does that make sense?) this situation didn't leave me feeling as dirty as some. I was, in fact, rooting for the cheat to happen.

The steam went up to an '11' in this book. My, oh, my. Is there somewhere I can sign up for a Tristan? Please? I know many readers were 'Team Kyle' at first, but not me. From the very start, I was 'Team Tristan' all the way. I don't care if it was 'wrong', because if Tristan is 'wrong' I don't want to be 'right'.

Hang on to your bootstraps for this one, too! It lulls you into this false sense of predictability, then *WHOOP* pulls the rug out from under your feet. Another total ♥ about the book, this is meant to begin a series, if I am understanding it right yet reads as a stand-alone HEA. That is total magic for me. I love series, because I become attached to characters and want more; but the 'dark side' of cliffy series endings is a recurring theme. Not so with The Mourning After, that warm fuzzy HEA is just waiting there at the end like a ray of sunshine, and the promise of another warm day in the future.

Anyone that enjoys romances with broken pasts, cheating love triangles, and sizzling passion... you don't want to miss this!

I received an ARC from Adriane Leigh in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

*All Photos with quotes and Banner, as well as many more, can be found at Adriane Leigh's Facebook Page.  While you are there, why not give a 'Like'?*

From Adriane Leigh's Website:

woman.lover.mother.writer.
 

Born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
 

Graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer.

Married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, and plays mama to two sweet baby girls. Also a voracious reader and knitter.

Connect with Adriane Leigh on:

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Amazon

Perry Road Cover Reveal

In 2132, “We the people …” means nothing, and it hasn’t for a hundred years.

Like all the citizens of the American Union, eighteen-year-old Erianna Keating is not to ask questions. She is not to believe anything except what the A.U. tells her. More importantly, she’s not supposed to know what she doesn’t know, nor that she’s a pawn.

Like everyone else, though, she is, and like everyone else, she is a hundred percent oblivious to what’s going on.

Or is she? Are they?

Erianna thinks going to Perry Road and joining the national registration program is her next step toward adulthood; the 2132 candidates for adult-classification, though, are in for a big surprise. Especially Erianna.

Thanks to Zane Warren, an awkward but hot guy who won’t shut up about a history that doesn’t—or shouldn’t—matter anymore, Erianna will know. Will learn. That includes finding out what actually happens after registration and doing something, anything, about it.

Fixing what went wrong, what caused the U.S.A. to split into two countries, though, is not on Erianna’s bucket list, but as she faces her future, she must decide whether to fall in line with the American Union’s plan for her, or to consider that Zane might not be wrong, and the time for revolution begins now.

...in case above picture link doesn't work click here.

Be sure to check Emi Gayle's other books that have appeared on my blog before!

After Dark Blog Tour

Day After Blog Tour - The Stuff of Fiction

I've thoroughly enjoyed her other books and I'm so excited to see what this new series has to offer!  With any luck... I see a future blog tour stop here (or I can hope so anyhow.)

Rise of the Magi Blog Tour + Guest Post + Giveaway!

Rise of the Magi

In a battle of wills, who is strongest? The one who hates or the one who loves?

In a test of faith, who will fight the hardest? The one who has everything to lose or the one who believes only in herself?

For Lila Gray, the answer is both. For the Magi, the questions are pointless since they can’t lose, and they’ve been waiting since before Lila’s birth for this one moment. Lila only needs to find them to understand her entire purpose in life. This time, though, instead of protecting her people, Lila may be leading them all, including her unborn child and the man she loves, to their deaths — and not by accident.

In the ultimate trial of heart and soul, and the conclusion to the Lila Gray series, Lila will learn that the greatest weapon of war is herself, with one ultimate unknown. For which side will she fight?

Jocelyn Adams

http://www.joceadams.com/
Jocelyn Adams grew up on a cattle farm in Lakefield and has remained a resident of Southern Ontario her entire life, most recently in Muskoka. She has worked as a computer geek, a stable hand, a secretary, and spent most of her childhood buried up to the waist in an old car or tractor engine with her mechanically inclined dad. But mostly, she's a dreamer with a vivid imagination and a love for fantasy (and a closet romantic — shhh!). When she isn't shooting her compound bow in competition or writing, she hangs out with her husband and young daughter at their little house in the woods.

Links:

Website  | Blog |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads 

Guest Post from Jocelyn Adams

The fae:  Mischievous or misunderstood?

The fae have been portrayed dozens of ways over the years of story-telling.  Small with wings.  Great and powerful.  Mischievous. Sexy.  Hideous and horrifying.  You name it, and it’s probably been done.

The wonderful thing about writing fantasy, for me, anyway, is that I can pick and choose which legends to follow and which to re-invent and make my own.  There are a lot of aspects I find annoying about most fae stories, like never saying thank-you or you’ll end up owing them a favor and silly things of that sort which repeat over and over ad nauseum.

I was more interested in writing a story about how/where they live and the trials they face than spending page after page on ridiculous protocol.

In the Lila Gray series, the fae are very much lost, divided and jaded after a war separated them centuries ago.  Although I kept some facets of the typical Seelie presence, like the tendency toward vanity, and the Unseelie lean more toward the darker, sexier, mischievous side, my fae city and culture is, I think, unique.  Who else gets to live in ancient shape-shifting houses?

I really struggled to make the reader understand why my characters do the things they do, especially in Shadowborn, when Liam was faced with a really tough choice between leading his people into a new, less-violent era so he could help Lila fulfill her promises, or be with Lila and possibly create war between the two factions since he’s Unseelie and she’s Seelie.

Will everyone dig my version of fae culture?  Not likely, but that’s okay.  I wrote this series knowing there would be some who prefer strict adherence to old legends, but I penned the story I found wandering in my head, and in the end, I love how it turned out.

What’s your favorite fae story?  What did you love about it?

Check out the personal chat with the beautiful Lila Gray 

+ My Review of Shadowborn!

The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams


I was actually surprised just how much I enjoyed this book. Very, very surprised!

Lila is strong and capable, but sympathetic- a true survivor. 

Shadowborn by Jocelyn Adams


Lila Gray just cracks me up and absolutely makes me root for her. Go, Lila, Go! Kick butt and take names!



Rise of the Magi by Jocelyn Adams


In the process of reading now, and looking forward to the finale of Lila's story. It's almost sad when you know a series is drawing to a close, so I can't help but take my time and savor it.

My Rating for the Series:

Purchase Links

The Rise of the Magi: 
Rise of the Magi (A Lila Gray Novel) at Amazon, Barnes and Noble  
Shadowborn:  Amazon, Barnes and Noble

The Glass Man:  Amazon, Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Testing Fate Blog Tour ~ I've Given My Allegiance To the Swoon Queen

The Mystic Wolves – Book #1

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason's commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she'll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength - once given, oaths are unbreakable ... even if it means risking it all.

Buy Links: FREE

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

Forget Me Not – Book #2

Only a fool would think they could steal from a werewolf …

Anticipating a quiet night alone with the man she loves, Darcy’s world is sent into a spin with the arrival of someone from the past—Mason’s. She is further shocked by the intruder’s claim she may not even be the true mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha. Accusations start to fly, leading to her new enemy being granted asylum, and this is just the beginning of trouble.

Relying on the reassurances of Mason and the support of her friends and Pack, Darcy soon falls under attack. Suspicions are raised, and with no other choice, she must flee with Devlin to safety where hopefully they can untangle the lies hidden behind the use of magic. Time is quickly ticking away, leading to a showdown where everything is on the line.

They need to uncover the truth before it’s too late, or once again, Darcy will need to fight to hold onto her dreams.

Buy Links: $2.99

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

Testing Fate – Book #3

Nothing burns as bright as the flames of the refiner’s fire.

Moments after hearing the Council sentence her enemy to life imprisonment for attempted murder and illegal use of magic, Darcy is whisked away by the Fates—accused of tampering with destiny. The cherished dream she shared with Mason has been called into question, placing doubt about whether they are actually true mates. To resolve it, a price must be paid—the Heart or Death—a grueling series of tests designed to reveal a person’s worth.

The stakes are high and Darcy finds herself facing the unknown in conditions that leave her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. Separated from Mason and her Pack, with Devlin as her only companion, she is pushed to her very limits. She must succeed—or lose everything.

Will she crumble under the pressure or emerge stronger for testing fate?

Buy Links: $2.99

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

My Review of The Mystic Wolves Series to Date:

First of all, how swoony are those covers?  Sorry, but it needed mentioning.


The Mystic Wolves by Belinda Boring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really, I'd only go 3½♥'s... but I chose to round up solely because the end left me swearing and opening book #2, Forget Me Not on my Kindle. There is a significant cliffhanger at the end of the book, like the last line practically.

I want to say that The Mystic Wolves had large amounts of world building, but it really didn't. Internal emotional drama, yes. Perfecting the art of sex without any actual sex (really intense kissing, basically), yes. And apparently I missed the memo somewhere about why they had to wait for some mating ceremony thingy (almost the beginning of book #2 has since answered that question.)

I'm keen to continue, but I wasn't bowled over by this first book. I am still looking quite forward to reading more from Belinda Boring, book #1 in a series is rarely a knock out of the park to start with.

Forget Me Not by Belinda Boring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, this was better than book #1. 4 solid ♥'s. But then again, who doesn't love a good cat fight? Er, well, female werewolves fight?

Amber was someone you could easily love to hate. Poor Darcy and Mason, just trying to reach that mating ritual finish line and they just can't get a break! It was also nice finding out more about some of the other characters, and I have to admit I rather enjoy the vampires we've been introduced to so far. Even Mr. I'm-the-dorkiest-vampire-ever (God helps us all if he even gets his hands on the Night Huntress series and further tries to 'emulate' the literary vamps rather than be himself.)

Belinda... what are you doing to your readers with these endings? It's not just a hook into the next book- you're lucky I've got Testing Fate here on my little defenseless Kindle and ready to read. Had I needed to wait, there could have been some anger issues.

I received a free eBook from Belinda Boring in exchange for a review.
 
Testing Fate by Belinda Boring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4♥'s, plus a little swoony extra.

This third installment of the series has firmly created a fan of this series, for this reader. I'll admit, after the first Book, The Mystic Wolves, I wasn't sold. Even Forget Me Not, Book #2, it wasn't a done deal. It may have not shined like the gem it is initially, but each book added to the series makes it a diamond in the rough. It may take a little extra effort in the beginning, but it is well worth your reading time if you have a soft spot for swoony shifter romances (that are not pornographic.)

Belinda has finally given me a somewhat cliffy end that hasn't made me cuss. To clairify, previous books are notorious for these hook endings that leave you sending glare daggers at the author (well, had I not read books 1-3 back-to-back, I totally would have been glaring after book #1 and #2) So now, I'm ready for book #4, but won't need to kill anyone for not having it ready right this second.

I received a free eBook from Belinda Boring in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary gain for my unbiased opinion.

Author Bio:

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Contact Links:

Official website

Twitter

Facebook

 a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Check out the ENTIRE tour for all kinds of Swoony Extras!
Sorry I don't have all the links... was running late and that task was just too daunting at 4am!

JULY 1st


BEST BOOKS

DARK OBSESSION CHRONICLES (You Are Here!)

FATED PARANORMALS

OH MY SHELVES


JULY 2nd


AUTHOR JAYSON JAMES

READING IS MY TIMEOUT

BEX & BOOKS

ROMANCE BOOKWORM

LITERARY REDEMPTION


JULY 3rd


LAGNIAPPE BOOKS

UNITED BY BOOKS

GIRLS HEART BOOKS

I LOVE INDIE BOOKS

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME


JULY 4th


INTO THE NIGHT REVIEWS

CRIMSON REVIEWS AND IMMORTAL WORDS

DELPHINA READS TOO MUCH

DON’T FEED THE MIMSEY

KAINA’S BOOK BLOG


JULY 5th


SUPPORTING INDIE AUTHORS

THE SECRET SANCTUARY OF BOOKS

SASSY BOOK LOVERS

THE O’RAVEN CHRONICLES

JEAN BOOKNERD


JULY 6th

A PAGE AWAY

BLACK WORDS/WHITE PAGES

SABRINA’S PARANORMAL PALACE

KRISTINA’S BOOKS AND MORE

A WORLD OF WORDS

NAUGHTY BITS BOOK REVIEWS


JULY 7th

TSK TSK WHAT TO READ

LYNDSAY AND JANES VIEWS AND REVIEWS

PARANORMAL BOOK CLUB

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

BOOKEND 2 BOOKEND

TAM’S TWO CENTS

GIVEAWAY #1

~ EBOOK COPIES OF MYSTIC WOLVES SERIES, QOS SWAG


GIVEAWAY #2

~ SIGNED COPY OF MYSTIC WOLVES, QOS SWAG


GIVEAWAY #3

~EBOOK COPIES OF BROKEN PROMISES & ENCHANTED HEARTS , QOS SWAG


GIVEAWAY #4

~SIGNED COPY OF BROKEN PROMISES, QOS SWAG


GIVEAWAY #5

~ SIGNED COPY OF ENCHANTED HEARTS, QOS SWAG



GIVEAWAY #6

~QOS T-SHIRT, QOS SWAGE


GIVEAWAY #7

~ SIGNED COPIES OF THE MYSTIC WOLVES SERIES

~ EBOOK COPY (WINNERS CHOICE ANY BB TITLE), QOS SWAG

~ NOOK OR KINDLE AND GIFTCARD (EITHER B&N OR AMAZON)