Print Release Book Blitz with Excerpt & Giveaway: Upside Down (Off the Map, #1) by Lia Riley

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Print Release Book Blitz for Upside Down (Off The Map, #1) by the lovely and talented Lia Riley. 

I absolutely adore New Adult books, because they are so incredibly easy for me to relate to. They are a more realistic outlook on what life is like, when you are experiencing things for the first time. Which, is why I can't wait to read the first two books in this series, and share my thoughts on them with you. I've seen so many good things being said about this books and the characters, that I'm chomping at the bit to sit down with my review books and just devour them. 

Today, I'm lucky enough to have an excerpt from Upside Down (Off The Map, #1) by Lia Riley to share with you and also a giveaway that will going on throughout the course of this Book Blitz. All you'll have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below to be entered to win.

But, first let me share a little more about this gorgeous book with you!

Upside Down (Off The Map, #1)

by Lia Riley

Published: August 6, 2014

Publisher: Forever

Age Demographic: New Adult

Pages: 384

If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

To purchase a copy of Upside Down (Off The Map, #1) by Lia Riley, please visit Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Book Excerpt from Upside Down
Written by Lia Riley

“A few meters more, you’re almost there.”

It’s like we’re at the end of some old-school adventure tale, one where the heroes are stoic even as the blizzard rages, avalanches fall, and death hovers like a benevolent ghost.

Well, Bran is the hero.

I’m like one of the minor sidekicks who goes down during some important turning point. My death might even inspire the hero on his journey or teach him a valuable lesson. But at this point in the flick, the minor sidekick should be well and truly dead. Not white-knuckling a column of dolerite rock, thighs gripping the stone like it’s the world’s best lover.

“That’s it, Talia,” Bran’s voice is encouraging. “You’re holding tight, that’s great. Now, I’m going to need you to release your left hand and reach up a few inches to grab the next hold.”

I grit my teeth. The way he talks, you’d think I’m scaling Everest. Or at least Kilimanjaro. Instead—

“’Scuse, us, we’ll be by in a tic. That’s the way, Andy, right around the lady.”

I’m the lady. Andy is a kid who doesn’t look a day over seven who scrambles past me in a flurry of Spider-Man shoes and gap-toothed smiles. His parents bring up the rear, smiling up at their wild monkey child with obvious pride.

And they aren’t the first group to pass me.

Five Swedish women, a couple, and a guy who looked to be in his mid-seventies have also shot past me during the course of the last quarter hour.

The top is so close I can taste it. Bran is being nothing but encouraging, but below me is a twenty-foot drop. Not enough to kill me, unless I fall with some sort of suicidal intent, but enough to make me feel incredibly uneasy about the boulder field.

Bran eases toward me. “Talia, take my hand.”

“Can’t let go.”

“Talia.”

“No.” This is it; this is the reason. Bran isn’t going to admit it here, while I’m bordering on a panic attack on a trail being conquered by elementary school children and senior citizens, but there’s no doubt this is A REASON to lose interest in me. I’m giving him a big capital-lettered reason, but I can’t stop. I physically can’t let go.

“Talia. Take a deep breath.”

“Breath taken.”

“Another.”

“Okay.”

“Give me your hand, no bullshit. I want your fingers in mine. You’ll be safe. I’m going to keep you safe. I need you to trust me.”

Somehow I do it. I give him my fingers. He assists me up. We’re doing this together. My head clears the boulder and I can see the steel marker that identifies the summit ahead. Holy shit, he’s right. I’m going to reach the top.

A few more steps, easy now, and we’re there. The kid in the Spider-Man shoes munches a Vegemite sandwich. I want to scoop him up in a smooshy squeeze. Except his parents would likely object, so I switch gears to give Bran a long and passionate kiss.

“I knew you’d get here,” he says.

“I didn’t.”

He turns me to see the view, his hands tight around my waist. “Your place is here, Captain, in the sun,” he whispers in my ear. “Don’t ever forget that.”

© 2014 Lia Riley. From Upside Down by Lia Riley, published by Forever Trade Paperback.
All rights reserved.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS...

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About the Author

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Lia Riley writes offbeat romance. After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.

A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn't mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound pretty sweet.

She and her family live in Northern California.

Blog Tour & Book Excerpt with Giveaway: Dream of Me (Dream Maker, #1) by Quinn Loftis

"Dream of me princess..."

I'm happy to be part of this amazing Book Blitz for Dream of Me (Dream Maker, #1) by the wonderfully and vivaciously talented Quinn Loftis. The moment that I read the synopsis for this enchanting and illuminating novel, I was sucked into the world and the mysteries of the Sandman. I am wildly fascinated by the the art and mythology of "dream weaving" and the Sandman being explored throughout this story. There's a small secret part of me that wants to pick this book up and read it RIGHT NOW! 

That's why, I'm really excited to be sharing an excerpt from Dream of Me (Dream Maker, #1) that Quinn Loftis so generously shared with me. I really love the whole concept of forbidden love and dark hidden mysteries coming to light. This book looks like it would provide just the right amount of dark smoldering desire, danger, and suspense. 

There's also a pretty kickass giveaway that goes along with this book blitz, that you don't want to miss out on. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below and you'll be entered. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor! ;)

First, let me try and persuade you a little more about this book...

Dream of Me (Dream Maker, #1)

by Quinn Loftis

Published: February 28, 2015

Self Published

Age Demographic: YA Paranormal

Pages: 319

Since the dawn of time, Brudair, otherwise known as the Sandman to the world, has faithfully lived out his purpose, faithfully performed his duties. He has never questioned his lot among the immortals, until now, until her. Sarah Serenity Tillman, a consummate beauty both inside and out, is a high school senior five months from her graduation. She has great plans, dreams of leaving the small town of her childhood behind her forever. But destiny has other plans, and it’s the Sandman’s job to make sure those plans are fulfilled.

The tall muscular Sandman, known as Dair to his friends, dressed in black, wrapped in shadows, is more than a myth. And he has a job to do. His very existence makes him a creature of the night, because dreams, (yes the legends got that part right), were indeed his specialty. But his purpose was more than just weaving dreams for sleeping children. No, his dreams were made to influence, made to ensure that certain special individuals, those individuals who would change the course of history, actually accepted their chosen destiny.

Little does Serenity know that she is Dair’s next assignment. And the dream that he weaves for her, if she follows its influence, will change the course of, not only her life, but possibly the whole of history as well. But she isn’t the only one being influenced. The beauty inside of her was weighing on the Sandman, lighting up the darkness that was his constant companion. Her light was warmth, it was life, and he didn’t understand how he had survived the previous millennia without it.

The Sandman was indeed greater than anything humans had ever imagined, and his purpose was vital to the course of history. So what happens when the weaver of dreams gets so distracted by a mere human that he ignores his own duties in the immortal realm? How can an immortal who was never meant to have a mate, join a young woman in her destiny without irrevocably changing the lives of millions and potentially altering history in a way the Creator never intended?

To purchase a copy of Dream of Me (Dream Maker, #1) by Quinn Loftis, please visit Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Book Excerpt from Dream of Me
Written by Quinn Loftis

“Brudair,” the deep voice from the messenger angel filled the room. Dair turned from the pictures he had been examining that were stuck to a bulletin board on Serenity’s wall and looked at the formidable male. He supposed he could understand why people often freaked out when they saw angels. They were big, and the radiance that was the Creator enveloped them, going with them wherever they went. They, of course, could tamp down that glory when need be but he imagined for humans it was very difficult to be in the same vicinity when their magnificence was on display.

“Hello, Raphael,” Dair said to his old friend.

“You know why I’m here.”

Dair nodded.

“You are not going to leave, are you?” Raphael asked. He had known Dair a very, very long time, and Dair knew it would be nearly impossible to try to lie to the angel.

“I cannot leave, not yet,” he told him.

Raphael’s eyes narrowed and he tilted his head, studying him. “You care for this human.” It wasn’t a question.

“She’s different, unique, and I’m drawn to her.”

The angel chuckled as he shook his head. In a very human-like manner he rubbed his forehead. “I never thought it would be you—the brooding loner who has kept to himself for centuries now—enamored with a mortal. You know it will not end well. There is a reason the Creator set up the boundaries between our kinds.”

“I am not an angel, Raphael. Why should the rules be the same for me?” Dair asked, suddenly angry as the thought of the rules squeezed him like steel bands tightening around his chest. “Why should I not be allowed a mate, someone to care for and be cared for by? You were created to worship Him and to deliver His messages, but that was not and is not my purpose. I am simply the dream maker, the Sandman, as the humans like to call me. I have walked this earth since the beginning of time with no real home. I don’t belong in the celestial realm, nor do I belong in the human one.”

“But you feel that you belong with her,” Raphael finished for him.

Dair nodded as the fight was quickly drained from him like a balloon loosing air. “I have never felt as though I belong anywhere until Serenity.”

“What if she does not accept you? What will you do then?”

“I will leave her and let her live her life without me.” Even as he said the words he wondered if that were true. Could he leave her?

© 2015 Quinn Loftis. From Dream of Me by Quinn Loftis, self published.
All rights reserved.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS...

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About the Author

Website * Twitter 

 Facebook

Quinn Loftis is an award winning author who lives in beautiful Western Arkansas with her husband, two sons, Nora the Doberman, and Phoebe the Cat (who thinks she is a ninja in disguise). She is the author of thirteen novels, including the USA Today bestseller, Fate and Fury. Quinn is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.

Book Blitz & Giveaway with Guest Post: White Raven (Raven, #1) by J.L. Weil

If you say Celtic charm, I say I'm totally there! 

I'm excited to be part of the Book Blitz for White Raven (Raven, #1) by the wonderfully talented J.L. Weil. Paranormal swoon-worthy romance with a dash of Celtic mythology entwined throughout the story, definitely gets my attention. I love a super suspenseful and paranormal mystery with deceitful lies unraveled, an impossible love that sparks all sorts of crazy chemistry, and hidden truths that come out when you least expect them. All of that and more just gets my blood pumping and makes me want to read it even more. Plus, a brilliantly handsome and mysterious guy with Celtic charm just seals the deal for me!

Today, I'm super happy to be able to share with you an excerpt from White Raven (Raven, #1) by J.L. Weil, along with a super fun guest post where she shares 100 things that she loves (psst, I think I saw Jensen Ackles and The Walking Dead in there somewhere, lol) and a Blitz-wide giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a signed copy of White Raven (Raven, #1), a $25 gift card, and some super awesome swag! You'll definitely want to stick around for this and fill out the Rafflecopter below to be entered, also please leave a comment and share some love for J.L. Weil and White Raven (Raven, #1). That would be awesome!

Now, let me tell you what it's all about with a little more persuasion on my part!

White Raven (Raven, #1)

by J.L. Weil

Published: March 27, 2015

Self-Published

Age Demographic: YA Paranormal

Pages: 366

DREADFUL LIES.

UNEXPECTED LOVE.

IMPOSSIBLE TRUTH.

It only took one heartbeat to change my life—one chilling phone call in the middle of the night.

And then, as if my life didn’t already suck, my dad sends my brother and me to some idyllic island for the summer to live with a grandma we never met. WTH. Naturally, I rebel. In the end, I find myself shipped off to Raven Hallow…and bored to tears. 

Until I get an eyeful of the mind-bendingly gorgeous Zane Hunter. The dark-hair cutie makes my pulse go bonkers, and I think, maybe this might not be so bad after all. Six feet of swoon inducing looks, with a hint of Celtic charm in his voice, he was the type of guy that left a string of broken hearts in his wake. And I had all the heartbreak I could handle.

Yet, there is something uncanny, almost supernatural about Zane, and it’s not just his devastating smirk. No matter how much distance I put between us, Raven Hallow isn’t big enough, and the sparking tension between is undeniable. Of course, the one person I want to avoid becomes my salvation.

My past comes back to terrorize me. Someone wants me dead, and the closer I get to the truth, the more I realize my whole life is a lie. I am no longer sure what is more frightening—the attempts on my life or the guy whose heart and soul are synchronized with mine.

To purchase a copy of White Raven (Raven, #1) 

by J.L. Weil, please visit Amazon or Barnes&Noble.

100 Things I Love
Written by J.L. Weil

Being in love. My boys. Raspberry Mochas. Twilight. Love Pink. The smell of the Ocean. Dark Chocolate. Books. Being married. Harry Potter. Bad Boys. Candles. The Green Bay Packers. Jensen Ackles (duh!). NKOTB. Punky Brewster. Libraries. The Walking Dead. American Eagle jeggings. Owls. Bonfires. Dancing. Libraries with a Starbucks inside. My cat, Kiki. Romance. Vampire Diaries. Ireland. Christmas. Country music. Movies. Motherhood. The sound of water. Sunsets. Sleep. Going out to dinner. Laughing. Shopping. Moonlight. Sex. Amaretto stone sour. My family. Musicals. My macbook. The stars. Reading. Freebies. Back rubs. Fireplaces. Eyes. Daydreaming. Video games. Singing. Twitter. Decorating. Grill outs. The beach. Swearing. Coco-cola. Writing. Madden shoes. Body piercings. Sightseeing. Pretty Little Liars. Purses. Vacations. Sleeping. Staying up late. Lazy afternoons. A clean house. Bubble baths. Home cooked meals. Trends. Cliches. Nora Roberts. Tattoos. Pink hair. Makeup. Magic & Witches. Sparkly things. Hugs. Walt Disney World. My hubby's steak (it was the first meal he ever made me). Kissing and stuff. My little sis. Brantley Gilbert. Wishes. My birthday. Surprises. Blogging. Anything Celtic. Snapping gum. Thunderstorms. Iced coffee. Donuts. Freckles. Perfume. Organization. Butterflies. Summertime. Sips & Sjin.

Special Note for J.L. Weil, thank you so much for sharing all of your loves and your amazing book excerpt. I cannot wait to read your book and share my thoughts on it with everyone else! Thanks again, for stopping by the blog. :)

Need a little more enticement, dying of curiosity to know more?!

Book Excerpt from White Raven
Written by J.L. Weil

TJ and Rose kept the conversation rolling as I gave the appropriate one-word responses or a head nod. I didn’t have much of an appetite, mostly picking at my chicken Caesar salad and gazing out at the ocean, until…

His hair was black as a wintry night, eyes icy blue as a gypsy’s heart. He had a lazy saunter about him and a glint of humor twinkling in those heart-melting eyes. There was nothing loose about his body, muscles bunching as he tethered a boat to the dock. I twiddled the straw, staring brazenly.

Good God. I wanted to have his babies. Not now, but most definitely someday.

And just like that, my summer got a billion times hotter…and interesting—way more interesting. I bit my lip, mulling over how I was going to accidently fall into his pants. Um—I mean path or even his lap would do, anything to get that one’s attention.

Drool hit the table in a mad case of fangirl, and I didn’t even know his name.

As if he sensed he was being slobbered over, his eyes scraped over me, and I held my breath. Holy hot tamales. An electric bolt of…lust maybe, I really didn’t know what it was, but it coiled through my body, making me shudder. A flicker of an unidentified emotion crossed his face, right before a secret smile appeared on his lips. Oh man, don’t get me started on his lips.

Elbows propped on the table, I rested my head on the edge of my palms, continually gazing and getting lost in the depths of his eyes. He hypnotized me. I followed his movements, my eyes glued to him. Then one of my elbows slipped off the table in classic Piper form, and down I went. I caught myself just before my chin whacked a corner of the patio table.

Only me.

Mortified, I closed my eyes.

TJ laughed. “Smooth, Pipe. I think you made a lasting impression.”

© 2015 J.L. Weil. White Raven by J.L. Weil, self published.
All rights reserved.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
Grand Prize Giveaway ends May 7th!
US/Canada Residents Only.

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About the Author

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Award-winning and Bestselling author J.L. Weil writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course there is lots of kissing. And stuff.

Most of her books are for ages 16+. They usually have what she considers the good stuff - sexual content (oh yeah) and swearing. You have been warned ;)

An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, (yum!) and Jensen Ackles (double yum!). She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.

Book Blitz with Excerpt: The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen

Oh my, I can hardly contain my excitement at getting to be a part of the Book Blitz for The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen, especially after reading the summary for it here on Goodreads. I'm a sucker for a really good Sci-Fi fantasy novel set in deep space that features the survival tactics of the human race. I kind of can't wait to pick up a copy of this and read it myself, because it sort of reminds me of The 100 and Across the Universe by Beth Revis. There's a couple of other's that come to mind as well, but those are the two that stand out to me the most. I'm dying to see what it's like, so I'll definitely be reading this one as soon as I can get to it. 

I have an excerpt that I'll be sharing with you guys on the blog today, from The Ark and if you like what you read then I definitely suggest picking up a copy of this and taking a chance on it. Thanks goes to Laura, for being so generous as to share it with us.

But first, let me tell you a little more about The Ark...

The Ark

by Laura Liddell Nolen

Published: March 26, 2015

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Age Demographic: YA Sci-Fi 

Pages: 239

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

With her criminal record, sixteen-year-old Char is never going to get a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect Earth’s survivors. The Arks are reserved for the real goody-goodies, like Char’s mom, dad, and brother, all of whom have long since turned their backs on her.

With Earth on the brink of destruction, Char must use all her tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they want to see her or not.

Once she arrives on the North American Ark, Char discovers that the remnants of humanity haven’t achieved the egalitarian utopia they’d planned for. For starters, the “Officers of the Peace” are anything but peaceful, especially since stealing a spot on an Ark is a crime punishable by death…

To purchase a copy of The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen, please visit Amazon or Barnes&Noble to place your order.

Excerpt from The Ark
Written by Laura Liddell Nolen

On the last day of Earth, I couldn’t find my hairbrush. That probably seems like a silly thing to worry about, what with the imminent destruction of, well, everything, but my mom was always after me about my usual ratty ponytail. Normally, I’d ignore her. Or, if I were having a really bad day, I’d tell her what she could do with her hairbrush. But like I said, it was the last day of Earth. And I figured, since it was the last time she’d ever see me, I wanted it to go smoothly. I wanted her to remember me, if not fondly, then at least without anger.

A girl can dream.

I slipped out of my cell as soon as the door swung open. I’d done the same every day for the past month, and my family had yet to show up. Their OPT—Off-Planet Transport—took off in eighteen hours, so they still had time. Barely. I couldn’t blame them if they didn’t come. It wasn’t hard to imagine that they’d rather escape to the stars without so much as a backward glance at me, their big disappointment. Even my father’s influence couldn’t persuade the government to give me a spot on an OPT.

Turns out, when humankind is deciding which of its children to save, the last place it looks is in prison.

But I was pretty sure they’d come. West had said as much in his last transmission. The thought of my younger brother actually halted me mid-step, like one of those punches in the gut where you can’t breathe for a few seconds.

“Looking for something?” The lazy drawl floated out of the nearest cell.

Against my better instincts, I turned to see Cassa lying on her bunk, her arm draped across Kip. My Kip. Or at least, my ex-Kip. Whatever. In twenty-two hours, I wouldn’t have to think about him anymore.

See? Silver lining. And they called me a perpetual pessimist at my last psych workup.

They barely fit next to each other on the flimsy mattress, but that wasn’t the weird part. The guys’ ward was separated by a substantial metal wall. We were kept apart during evening hours, for obvious reasons. Not that anyone cared anymore. The med staff had been the first to go, followed by the cleaning crew, followed by the kitchen crew. To show you where girls like me fell on the government’s list of priorities, there was still a skeleton crew of guards lurking around, despite the fact that I hadn’t had a real meal for going on a week. The guards would be gone soon, too, and then there’d be no one in here but us chickens.

I figured either Kip had a key, or the guards had left already. A key could be useful. My curiosity got the best of me. “How’d he get in here before the first bell?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “I got some tricks you ain’t seen, babe. Why don’t you join us? End of the world and all.”

The guards were gone, then. I felt a small trill of anxiety deep in my chest. If the guards were gone, my family was even less likely to show. But it was never smart to show fear. “The Pinball could be headed straight for this building, and I still wouldn’t be desperate enough to touch you. Oh, wait. Guess you don’t have to take my word for it.”

I turned to leave, but he continued. “Now is that any way to treat your dear ole partners? Be nice or I won’t give you back your stuff.”

“Ugh, you were in my room?” I flexed my shoulder blades, making sure my gun was still tightly secured between them.

“Don’t worry, Char. I didn’t handle the merchandise. Didn’t want to wake you up. Just lifted me a few keepsakes.” He pronounced my name the way I like: Char, as in charred. Something that got burned.

I wasn’t sure what Kip and Cassa were planning, but I knew I wouldn’t like it. They were thieves and liars. I would know. I used to be one of them. That was before the last job, when Cassa had attacked an elderly man in the home we were robbing. She’d kicked him until he stopped fighting back. Kip had called her off after a few licks, but I just stood there, staring. The old man looked at me, like right at me, while we made our getaway, and my stomach twisted into a knot so tight that I tasted bile. That was the moment I knew I wanted out.

But by then, no one believed me. Or, if they did, no one cared. Except for Kip and Cassa, of course. They’d taken the news pretty hard, to put it lightly.

If I lunged for the box, I could probably grab my hairbrush and get out of there. I wouldn’t have time for more than that. Then again, I’d be doing exactly what they expected, and I didn’t have time for delays. My family could be in the commissary any second now.

“Ahem. Seeing as it’s your last day of life, I might let you have one thing back,” said Kip.

“In exchange for what?”

“I’m hurt. All our time together, and you still don’t believe in my inherent generosity. But now that you mention it, I’ve got a hankering for some peanut butter crackers.”

“Sorry, Kip. I’m fresh out of food. Kinda like everyone else.”

“Nice try, Charrr.” He drew my name out, as though tasting it. “I saw them yesterday. Figured you were hiding them under your pillow when I couldn’t find them last night.”

“You figured wrong.”

All I could think about was my brother’s face. And how I had this one last chance to apologize to my parents, for everything. I shrugged and turned to leave.

That was probably a mistake.

© 2015 Laura Liddell Nolen. From The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen, published by Harper Voyager.
All rights reserved.

About the Author

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Laura Liddell Nolen grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she spent an excellent childhood playing make-believe with her two younger brothers. The Ark is the direct result of those stories and a lifelong devotion to space-themed television. It received a Work in Progress Grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura has a degree in French and a license to practice law, but both are frozen in carbonite at present. She lives in Texas with her family.

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years, #4) by Sarina Bowen

I've been looking for the perfect New Adult contemporary series to sink into during the warmer days of Spring, that I could just lazily read and enjoy. This is definitely that series I'll be hopping all over. There are four books and one novella in the Ivy Years series so far and today I'll be revealing the cover for the fourth book, The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen. I also have an excerpt to share with you guys, that Sarina was nice enough to let me post today. 

The Shameless Hour

The Ivy Years, #4

by Sarina Bowen

Expected Release: May 1, 2015

Publisher: Rennie Road Books

Age Demographic: New Adult 

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second-guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright nasty fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can’t be extinguished.

To PreOrder The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years, #4) by Sarina Bowen please visit iBooks.

Click here to check out the other books in the series!

Excerpt from The Shameless Hour Written by Sarina Bowen

I heard the band start to play the classic one-two Merengue rhythm that I’d heard my whole life. On the dance floor, the energy picked up as the geezers began to move to the faster beat.

“Let’s go,” I said, standing up. I offered Bella my hand.

But Bella shook her head. Even worse, she scooted her chair toward the wall.

“Don’t leave me hanging,” I said, my hand still waiting in the air. “Come on now. Nobody puts Bella in a corner.”

On the other side of the table, Bella’s sister snorted into her white wine.

Bella rolled her eyes. Hard. “You did not just quote Dirty Dancing.”

I leaned down near Bella’s ear. “I did. Now get your ass out of that chair, like the girl in the movie, or I’ll have to put you in a fireman’s hold.”

Her mouth tight, Bella stood up. Not one to waste an opportunity, I clasped her hand, tugging her onto the dance floor. When we were right in the center, I put one hand onto Bella’s waist and took her opposite hand in mine. She was as stiff as a piece of wood. “Shake it off, chica. This is supposed to be fun.”

“Your job tonight was to make my life less embarrassing. Not more.”

“I am doing that. We’re going to be the best looking dancers on this floor, and everyone in this mausoleum is going to wonder how I got so lucky as to be here with you. Now listen to this rhythm, okay? Just step to the beat. And let your hips absorb the motion.” I began to move to the music. The merengue is a Dominican dance, and every kid in my neighborhood can merengue before his fifth birthday. It’s just not that complicated.

With nervous eyes, Bella began to move.

“Use these hips,” I prompted, touching the silky fabric of her dress. As I watched, she loosened up a tiny fraction. “Yes! But even more. You look great. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. And think of pressing the balls of your feet into the floor.”

Biting her lip, Bella moved with me.

“That’s it! See? Nothing to it.” Just like that, we had a proper merengue going on.

“Can I sit down yet?” Bella asked.

“Not even close,” I laughed. “See, I knew you could move.”

Bella pouted. “We’ve seen each other’s moves, Rafe.”

She lifted her eyes, and the heat in them went straight to my dick.

Jesucristo. That was the trouble with getting so close to Bella. I was always going to be susceptible to her. Anything she did to remind me of that night was always going to knock me right over.

“Ha.” She said. “I finally found a way to shut you up.” Bella put a little more effort into her merengue then, looking smug.

© 2015 Sarina Bowen. From The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen, published by Rennie Road Books. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college.

Waiting for more Ivy Years? You can read more about upcoming volumes in the four book series at http://www.sarinabowen.com/theivyyears. Also, the Gravity series.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

To be kept abreast of new releases, please feel free to sign up for the mailing list at http://www.sarinabowen.com/contact. Or visit the her Facebook page, or tweet her @sarinabowen.

Book Blitz + Excerpt and Giveaway: Impervious (Ascension, #1) by Heather Letto

I have this really fun, exciting, and amazing excerpt from Impervious the first book in the Ascension series by Heather Letto that I can't wait to share with you guys. It's the beginning of a new Sci-Fi Dystopia fantasy world that will set you on edge, bring the adventures and sass, and remind you just what it's like to be a rebel. After reading the synopsis for this book on Goodreads, I want to devour it NOW!

And you should too.

So, let me tell you a little bit more about it. 

Impervious (Ascension, #1)

by Heather Letto

Published: March 4, 2014

Publisher: BookFish Books LLC

Age Demographic: YA 

Pages: 314

The residents of Impervious are the remnant—the survivors of the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in the corners, haunting the residents with its presence. 

The Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness killed off most of Generations One, Two, and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage, a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death incites a cultural rage. 

But Fran lives counter-culture, off the grid in true rebel fashion. With a life far from opulent, she scurries through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals with Pete while ditching the holographic security team. To her, it’s a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can’t steal her sliver of hope―a belief that she’ll see The Epoch arrive before The Beast can pull her into its fetid embrace. 

After losing her mother and then her Rebel mentor, Fran stumbles upon a miraculous discovery that may save the residents of Impervious. That is, if she can outrun The Beast. . .

To purchase Impervious (Ascension, #1) by Heather Letto please visit Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Do you need a little more enticement!? 

Then check out an excerpt from the book itself to see if it's your cup of tea.

An Excerpt from Impervious (Ascension, #1)

Written by Heather Letto

Fran spied Gillius, third in line, in front of a girl with a sleek chestnut mane. Like the others, Gillius’ left fist rested on his chest, pinky pointed upward as he gave honor to the great city of Impervious. His glassy stare screamed of the venom already snaking through his veins, soon to bring an end to his life. 

A shudder shook Fran as she wondered about corporeal termination. Rumors spoke of an excruciating end where the forfeitures dropped into agonizing spasms of death during the final pageant. Fran shivered again and reminded herself that sensationalism stemmed from useless gossip which, in turn, always led to melodrama. Then again, the entire event was absurd, so why not? 

She questioned whether she and Pete should even be there, gawking like a typical resident as the parade worked their way down the stairs from center stage to the outside rim of the circle. They began an official promenade moving as one unit, soundlessly, like a snake slithers through tall grasses. Right behind Gillius, the girl—what’s her name?—moved with the grace of a dancer, while glowing hair cascaded about her shoulders like the velvety train of her robe. 

Chestnut Peak―that was it. 

As the procession moved closer, Fran could make out their facial features with better clarity. Chestnut’s obvious youth surprised her. As far as she knew, no one under twenty-five had ever forfeited, yet this girl still had the look of a mid-lifer, like Fran. 

The line swayed with rhythmic motion, and soon snaked only fifteen feet or so away from the venting where Fran and Pete hid. The eerie silence which enshrouding the promenade morphed into the sound of rushing air. A dozen pairs of slippers moved in a whisper just a few inches from Fran’s eyes. When the fourth set of feet swished into her line of vision, Fran noticed a hesitation. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, would you please bow your heads as Sasha Lee Dees surrenders, and we give honor to her name.”

Sasha? Fran sucked in her breath. 

The entire march halted. A deafening silence reverberated through the courts followed by horrific gurgling sounds. Then, Sasha dropped to the floor. Not more than a few feet from where Fran sat tucked into the venting, her chestnut head rolled from side to side and her eyes shone like polished black orbs. 

Back when Fran still lived in the Old East Wing, Sasha had visited their pod once or twice to work with Ted on his macros. Fran remembered spying on them from her doorway, hoping to catch her brother making a move or something. She could almost hear Sasha’s easy laughter and witty remarks.

Now, however, her eyes locked onto Fran’s as if screaming for help. Her face contorted, and her body trembled. Fran felt a vibration move through her own body as her nerves quivered in sympathetic pain. Sasha’s arms and legs splayed and spasmed as her back arched and head thrashed about. A sickening, acrid odor, like a mix of poison and death, wafted from the velvety robe, and bile rose in Fran’s throat. Finally, Sasha’s eyes rolled back into her head, and her movement terminated. 

A cheer erupted from the crowd who loitered on overhead balconies and platforms, and Fran clasped her hands over her mouth stifle the scream that roared through her body. All Accountable residents of legal viewing age watched the event. It was a big deal. Although some probably scrutinized from a small screen in the comfort of their living pods, too many just couldn’t resist the sick urge to watch it live. 

The cheers finally died down, and when reverence returned, the swishing slippers resumed. The seven forfeitures in line behind Sasha tiptoed over the fallen body and continued the march, leaving Sasha where she dropped.

© 2014 Heather Letto. From Impervious by Heather Letto, published by BookFish Books.
All rights reserved.

Blitz Wide Giveaway

A signed copy of Impervious

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website * Twitter * Amazon

Heather Letto is a book-writing, selfie-taking, latte-drinking, social media gal. She's living a good life on the road as a full-fledged Bedouin (Well, except, her tent is actually a fully-equipped RV.) Heather and her partner-in-crime (Benj) tend to hunker down wherever the skies are clear and the temps stay in the 70’s. They call themselves Gypsy Nerds because they aimlessly wander the U.S. with glasses perched upon their noses and faces jammed into computer screens (for the first half the day... The second half of the day is typically devoted to playing because they’re also somewhat immature.)

Like most authors, the characters Heather creates are her extended family.  And like most readers, when the story ends, she gets a little sad. In real life, she has two handsome, hardworking, grown-up boys who know how to make their Mama proud! *Waves to Joey and Mike!*

The Ascension Series is her debut into the world of YA fiction. 

She's living what she loves and loving what she lives! 

Book Blitz Excerpt + Giveaway: Lighter by Gia Riley

What do you do when you can't save the one you love?

Guys, I can't lie. Lighter by Gia Riley, looks like it's going to be an amazing contemporary New Adult romance novel, that I'm going to want to totally immerse myself in. I love how this isn't just your typical college romance novel, that there is a bit more of a darker edge to this story and so much more intensity than normal. I literally cannot wait to read about Sophie and Kipton's chemistry, because the synopsis already reads as if it's a moth drawn to a flame contained within the darkness. 

I am so, so, so excited to be sharing with you an excerpt from Lighter today and also an awesome giveaway that consists of a signed copy of Lighter (no! stop it! really?) and two $5 Amazon gift cards. 

Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost.

Want to know more about Lighter follow me down the rabbit hole!!!

Lighter

by Gia Riley

Published: February 15, 2015

Self Published

Age Demographic: New Adult

Pages: 285

Buy Links: Amazon * B&N * Kobo

What do you do when you can't save the one you love? 

Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare?

Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight. 

Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct?

Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning.

Prologue
Two Years Ago
As written by Gia Riley

"Sophie, wait! I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you,” Megan yells from the double doors leading from the locker room into the hallway.

She saw the bruises on my body.

I knew better than to change in front of everyone after gym class, yet I did it anyway because I was running late to meet my boyfriend. Blaine doesn’t like it when I keep him waiting. Tossing my book bag over my shoulder, I round the corner and smack right into him – and he doesn’t look happy.

“What did you say to her?” He questions with a deadly stare.

“Nothing. I didn’t say a word.” I didn’t but I still avert my eyes, choosing to stare at the tile on the floor instead of him. Without warning, he grabs my arm and pulls me into the bathroom. It’s empty.

“Please, Blaine.” I’m begging him to stop. He hears me, but he doesn’t listen.

“I told you what I would do, didn’t I?”

I swallow, my hands shaking. “Yes.”

He pins my arms against the wall, hovering over me. “And yet you still couldn’t keep your damn mouth shut.”

I try to yank my arms from his grasp, but his grip is too tight. His fingertips dig painfully into my arms, his nails breaking through the skin. “I swear I didn’t tell her anything.”

He inches closer to my face, the warmth of his breath hits my cheek. “Don’t fucking lie to me, Sophie. What happened the last time you lied to me?”

“I’m not lying. Please, Blaine. I wouldn’t.”

“What happened, Sophie?”

He’s going to make me say it – as if I’d ever need a reminder. It’s impossible to forget. “You had to teach me a lesson.”

“But you never learn. No matter how hard I try to protect you.”

“I’m sorry,” I plead. Regardless of the fact that I’m innocent, he morphs my apology into an admission of guilt.

“Damn right you are,” he spits through gritted teeth. His calmness now completely gone and replaced with anger. “Don’t you ever lie to me again, you hear me?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

He grabs my chin, roughly scraping his calloused thumb over my lips. His dilated pupils pierce straight through me sending chills down my spine. “Tell me you love me.” My words get lodged in my throat and I make the mistake of pausing a second too long. “Say it!” he warns as his fist pounds against the wall next to my head.

“I love you, Blaine.” And maybe there was a time I actually did. He wasn’t always like this, but neither was I. If I could go back in time, I’d tell him no. I’d push him away from me and keep my distance. But I’m just like my mother - unable to get away and desperate enough to stay. “Please let go of me. You’re hurting me.”

Finally he releases me, replacing his harsh words with sweet promises – his rough touches with gentle caresses. With a flip of a switch, he’s back to the Blaine I fell for, masking any signs of the evil he’s become.

“You make me so crazy, Sophie.” He runs his fingers through my long blond hair, leaving a trail of light kisses on my neck. “I only get mad because I love you so much.”

“I know.” Painfully well. My scattered bruises a daily reminder of his temper.

His hand falls from my hair as he latches onto my hip, pulling me flush against his body. “Baby, I need you. You’re everything to me.”

Everything I don’t want to be. Not anymore.

Beneath the surface, I’m scarred and broken; a much darker version of the girl I once was. There was a time I believed I was worthy of true love. But now, living in a hell littered with reminders of broken promises, I know what we have is anything but love.

It’s in this moment that I know I’m not strong enough to fight another day unless I get away from him. But I don’t know how. I need a plan – something to get me away from this town and its memories.

Closing my eyes, I say a silent prayer that my luck will change – that someone will save me from the hell my life has become.

© 2015 Gia Riley. Lighter by Gia Riley, published by Gia Riley.
All rights reserved.

The only minor quibble I may have with this book is the idea behind the main female characters always feeling like "someone" needs to save them from whatever darkness or painful life they're experiencing. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that Sophie will be able to save herself and not rely on Kipton or anyone else to save her, because she is strong enough to look inside herself and make that happen. I guess we'll just have to see what happens, when I'm able to crack this book open and give it a good read later this year. 

Now, for the fun stuff you've all been waiting for. The giveaway in all it's awesomeness!

Here's what you lucky lot will receive if you happen to be chosen...

(Oh, and btw, this Giveaway is International.)

A signed copy of Lighter by Gia Riley 

2x $5 Amazon giftcards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

Gia Riley is a New Adult/Contemporary Romance Author from the small but mighty state of Delaware. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her roaming the isles of Kirkland's or up to her elbows in Play-doh. 

Always believing everyone deserves a happily ever after, Gia prides herself on creating characters who are real, personable, and entertaining.