Book Blitz+Giveaway: How We Began (Anthology)

I'm really excited to be sharing an excerpt from the newest LGBTQ+ anthology being released today. For quite some time I've been wanting my blog and content to feature books with more of a diverse feel to them, such as books like this particular YA/New Adult anthology, that focuses it's attention on the exploration of first love and love in general between featuring strong gay and lesbian, etc. characters featured as role models for those who are growing up, growing into, or finally becoming who they've always known they were.

One of the biggest reasons that I support this book whole-heartedly 100%, is the fact that ALL (not just a portion of the proceeds) but ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of this book will be donated to The Trevor Project. It is a national non-profit organization that raises awareness as well as providing crisis and suicide prevention for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and the rest of the LGTBQ+ community. If you don't know much about the project, then I definitely urge you to take a look at the website and see how you can get involved. Just by purchasing a copy of this gorgeous anthology exploring so many facets about love and the diversity of it, you are helping and contributing to the needs of so many ranging from the ages of 13 on up to 24 and beyond. 

Please join me in supporting love and all of the many wonderful emotions that come along with it, whether good or bad, indifferent or not, because we're making history here. It's 2015 and Equal Marriage has passed and people are finally free to legally and officially be with the one they love more than anything. 

How We Began

Alexis Hall, Amy Jo Cousins, Annabeth Albert, Delphine Dryden, Edie Danford, Geonn Cannon, Vanessa North

Publication date: November 9th 2015

Genres: LGBTQ+, New Adult, Romance, Young Adult

How does love begin? A glance, a gesture, an unexpected offer of help from a stranger…or from a good friend. A smile across a counter at a coffee shop or video store. A secret revealed in a song from another place and time. Or in a love ballad crooned at a high school dance.

In this anthology of never-before-published sweet LGBTQ+ stories, seven authors explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project’s work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

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Book Excerpt
TruNorth by Alexis Hall

We play the O3 in London.

The crowd is amazing, filling up this vast dome. When there’s that many people, they look like coloured beads, shaken back and forth by these huge ripples of motion.

They’re here for us. To see us.

There’s something almost physical about so much excitement and anticipation and all this… I don’t know what else to call it except love. Surging towards the stage, beating against my body, as if it’s trying to push right inside me. I never know if I’m flying or drowning or dying.

But when I’m here, when I’m on stage and my face is on the screens and my voice is everywhere, I don’t care.

It’s weird because it’s not the sort of thing you can really seriously want or imagine wanting. It’s too big. Too impossible.

But now I know what it’s like, I do want it. I want it so badly it tastes like blood in my mouth.

We close with Something About You—our first number one.

I wish you could see what I see when I see you

Cos then you’d believe there’s no reason to doubt you

You’d know how your smile lights up my world

Because to me, oh to me

There’s something about you.

It’d been waiting for us after The Next Big Thing. All we had to do was record it. The video’s a bit rough around the edges. Not the video itself—it’s Glyde’s handiwork, so slick as slick as can be—but us.

Still learning our parts.

It’s effortless now, though. We know how to move and how to stand together. Whose arm should be flung across whose shoulder. Who keeps his hands in his pockets. Who tucks his thumbs in his belt.

Max, Me, Oli, Rayan, Callum.

All choreography, but it’s meant to look natural.

Glyde calls it “coordinated anarchy”. Vigorous young animals having the time of our lives.

He really does call us that. With this awful fondness.

We’re doing it now. Running to the edge of the stage, waving, blowing kisses, swapping places, jumping past each other, coming together at last. I rest an elbow on Max’s shoulder, put my left arm round Oli. Rayan leans against him on the other side. Callum, on the far end, folds his arms. Close but not touching.

We’re publicity-still perfect.

We did good tonight. I know we did.

Adrenaline sparks beneath my skin even as my breath slows and my heart calms. It’s a hectic, electric feeling, not quite like happiness. This moment when I blur so absolutely into who I’m supposed to be and everything else falls away.

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#T4T Book Blitz: Shadows Fall Away & Undertakers

Welcome to this week’s 

Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy, and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles! You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Shadows Fall Away by Kit Forbes  

Last Siege of Haven (The Undertakers #4) 

by Ty Drago

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Mark Stewart is one incident away from becoming a juvenile delinquent, and his parents have had enough. They ship Mark off to London, England, to stay with his eccentric aunt Agatha who is obsessed with all things Jack the Ripper. After a strange twist of luck, Mark is struck by lightning, and he wakes to find himself in 1888 Victorian London. His interest in a string of murders Scotland Yard has yet to solve make him a likely suspect. After all, why would a young boy like Mark know so much about the murders? Could he be the ripper they've been searching for? Convinced the only way to get back home is to solve the murders, Mark dives headfirst into uncovering the truth. Mark's only distraction comes in the form of the beautiful Genie Trembly, a girl who is totally out of his league and who may have already caught the attention of the infamous ripper. To save her, he'll endanger both their lives, and risk being trapped in the past forever.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD | iBooks|

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“If you enjoy YA time-travel mysteries, I think you'll like this fast-paced novel.” – Kimber Leigh Wheaton, Author

“I found Shadows Fall Away to be extremely engrossing. It's the type of book you want to start and finish in one day because you can't put it down.” – Jennifer Bardsley, Author

“'Shadows Fall Away' is a gripping and imaginative young adult novel that mixes time travel, historical fiction, and mystery to keep readers on the edge of their seats.” 

– Stephanie, A Dream Within A Dream

 

Kit Forbes has been a lover of books, history, and all things paranormal for as long as she can remember. She lives in Western Pennsylvania with her youngest daughter and an assortment of cats who give new meaning to the world bizarre.

Author Links: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

While away on an undercover mission, Undertaker Will Ritter has made an unthinkable alliance...with a Corpse! But though Robert Dillin (aka 'The Zombie Prince') is indeed one of those alien invaders who animate and possess the bodies of the dead -- unlike the rest of his kind, Dillin isn't evil. In fact, he wants to help. And Will needs that help, because the Queen of the Dead has learned the location of Haven, the Undertakers' secret HQ, and is planning a massive and deadly assault. With the last day of the Corpse War finally upon them, Will and his friends find themselves in a desperate race to close the Rift between worlds and forever kill the Corpses. But can they do before Haven is overrun? For that matter, can they do it at all?

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks | Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“Over all I really liked the book. It was literally nonstop action and I read most of it on one night because it was so great.” – Monomaniacal Middle Grade Reviewer

“Ty Drago, an extremely talented author, has once again proven the adult mind can be as creative and intuitive as a child's.” – Ryan – Amazon Reviewer

“Fantastic conclusion to the series! Has us on the edge of our seats, and by the end, cheering and crying at the same time.” – Felicia, Amazon Reviewer

 

Ty Drago does his writing just across the river from Philadelphia, where the Undertakers novels take place. In addition to The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses,The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead, and The Undertakers: Secret of the Corpse Eater, he is the author of The Franklin Affair and Phobos, as well as short stories and articles that have appeared in numerous publications, including Writer’s Digest. He currently lives in southern New Jersey with his wife and best friend, the real Helene Drago née Boettcher.

Author Links: 

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Book Blitz+Giveaway: (Dis)Content (Judgement of the Six #5) by Melissa Haag

I'm excited to talk to you about a new-to-me series that I've just discovered recently. I stumbled onto this book blitz and was excited the second that I read the synopsis for the first book in the Judgement of the Six series (Hopeless) by the lovely and wonderfully talented Melissa Haag. I don't know where I've been lately, because this is the type of young adult paranormal romance series that's right up my street. I absolutely adore books that have anything to do with the paranormal, especially werewolves and their nature/lore. 

It's been a while since I've posted anything of quality lately, because I've been working a lot at a new job (which, I am really enjoying) and have also been trying to figure out how to make the blog work as well as have a bit of a social life. 

So today, I'm happy to share with you an excerpt from book five in the series, (Dis)Content and an awesome giveaway for a Kindle Fire that's being included in this book blitz. So, if you're anything at all like me, and you absolutely love paranormal romance that involve super intense and broody unkept men and stand-offish girls that try hard not to fall for them and end up falling anyway - then this is definitely going to be the series you WANT to read!

(Dis)Content
Melissa Haag
(Judgement of the Six #5)
Publication date: November 24th 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

I hate. I thought I hated before the letter, before the werewolves, but now I understand that was nothing more than a chip on my shoulder. The urbat took what was mine. They will pay.

Isabelle leads a very normal life…for an emotional syphon. If not for Ethan and his bar, she would have lost her sanity long ago. But everything changes with the crash of her fighting cage and a man who transforms into a wolf. There’s something about Carlos—when he’s not growling at her—that makes her do things she wouldn’t normally do, like sigh and daydream.

Attraction aside, she is faced with the very real evidence that werewolves and urbat exist, and the urbat are after her. And the only way she can keep Ethan safe is to join with the werewolves and Carlos. It’s a race against time to stop a war, fight for love, and find the last Judgement.

Previous books in the series:

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * iBooks * Smashwords

Book 1, Hope(less) is available as a free series starter on all retailer sites!

Find the complete series on 
Amazon here!

Book Excerpt from
(Dis)Content written by Melissa Haag

I ducked under Brick’s next swing and came back with a punch to his jaw. Something crunched, and I wanted to cringe for him. Brick staggered back a step and shook his head. I didn’t press him. Instead, I gave him a moment to clear the hit.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the repetitious movement of a dark-haired man near the fence, but I didn’t look away from Brick. His gaze looked a little unfocused, and I hoped I hadn’t done any real damage. I still had a lot to drain. Sometimes, if a single fight wasn’t enough to empty everything, I called out to the crowd for another contender. I might need to do that with Brick. He’d taken enough of a beating. The guy pacing beside the cage might be up for a round or two.

Brick brought his gloves back up and stepped toward me. A low growl, barely loud enough to hear over the noise, reached me. I turned to look and met the deep brown eyes of the tall, dark-haired man. My stomach dipped at the sight of him.

Just as I was registering the details of the stranger’s strong, clean-shaven jaw, Brick swung and knocked my lights loose.

Time slowed as my head snapped back. Something crashed against the fence. I barely heard it over the ringing in my ears. I widened my stance to stay upright and saw one of the brackets pull from the ceiling before I straightened. Stunned, my gaze followed the dust down as I automatically brought my fists up.

I expected more from Brick, but he wasn’t moving toward me. He wasn’t looking at me, either. Something crashed against the cage again. Then, I saw it.
The metal of the cage bent inward as a huge dog crashed against the fence again and again. It didn’t look at me. It only looked at Brick, who stared back at it blankly. I’d hit him too hard. I must have. Maybe Brick had hit me too hard, too.

Ethan shouted my name as a few more of the brackets tore from the ceiling. A memory surfaced of a video I’d seen earlier that year. A man had been attacked by a dog, just about the same size as the one that crashed against the cage. When the dog had fled, there’d been little left of the man. The memory shook me free.

“Brick, move!” I yelled, trying to jar him from his stupor.

I gave the man a shove toward the door, then ran past him when he showed no interest in saving himself. People in the main bar were screaming and running for the exit. Chaos reigned beyond the cage—every man for himself. Worried for Ethan, I pushed through the door to the hall so hard that it bounced back on me and banged my left shoulder.
The rhythmic slamming of the cage stopped as I stumbled out into the service hall and eyed my options. The employee entrance was too close to the dog. I’d need to go out to the alley, then circle around to the front to get Ethan.

Claws screeched on the employee door, and I almost tripped over myself in my rush toward the back exit. Behind me, the door shuddered as something hit it with enough force to make the metal groan. My heart stopped, and I twisted to look over my shoulder. I was still alone. But for how long? A burst of adrenaline helped me reach the end of the hall.

The cold metal exit bar of the back door gave way, and I flew outside, startling a few of the users who lingered amongst the trash. I pulled emotions from them as I ran past, fueling myself. The people sagged. I didn’t stop running or pulling. I might need it to get to Ethan.

Ahead, the mouth of the alley beckoned. Already, people from the club ran past on the street. Screaming and shouting filled the air, along with my own rapid breathing and the pounding of my feet on the pavement.

Before I reached the mouth of the alley, the door burst open behind me. Taking a risk, I looked back. Just in time, too. The dog flew at me, knocking me backwards. I lifted my arms to block its snapping jaws as I fell to the ground under its weight. My head hit the blacktop with a burst of pain, and I lost my breath a second time.

My ears rang. I gave my head a tiny shake and blinked as I looked up at my hands. They weren’t braced on fur but a human arm. I blinked again, trying to focus. Beyond the snarling face and snapping teeth, I met the light grey gaze of an older man. He had wrapped his arm around the thing’s neck in an attempted chokehold.

“Run,” he said. The man pulled back, straining to win me some wiggle room.

© 2015 Melissa Haag. From (Dis)Content by Melissa Haag, self published.
All rights reserved.

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About the Author

Melissa Haag currently resides in Wisconsin with her husband and three children. Touch was her first published novel. She is currently working on book five of the Judgement of the Six Series...along with several other new books. Register for her newsletter to learn more about her upcoming projects, and subscribe to her mailing list for deleted scenes, deals, and giveaways, go to http://melissahaag.com/subscribe/

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Launch Day Blitz for Seven Nights to Surrender by Jeanette Grey

I have to confess that I haven't read any of Jeanette Grey's books, but the second that I was offered the chance to be part of this book blitz, the setting of Seven Nights to Surrender had me at ... HELLO! I've always longed to surround myself with the beauty of Paris, so the setting for this amazing tantalizing novel has definitely grabbed a hold of me. 

There's a story there, much deeper than the sexy swoon-worthy romance swirling in the midst, and I have this feeling that it's going to be a really great one. A story that pulls and tugs on all of your feels from the beginning until the end and I can't wait to come along for the ride and experience it all with the characters. I'm excited that this is going to be my first Jeaneatte Grey book. It's the perfect kind of book to pick up on those cold winter nights, when you just want to curl up in something warm, soft, and comfortable and binge read from beginning until end.

So, today, I thought I'd share a swoon-inducing excerpt from Seven Nights to Surrender along with the chance for ten of you guys to win 1 of 10 copies of Seven Nights to Surrender. But, first, let me tell you a little bit more about this book. 

"By day, he'll show her a side of Paris not found in any guidebook. By night, he'll introduce her to a passion beyond her wildest dreams." 

Seven Nights to Surrender

by Jeanette Grey

Published: November 3, 2015

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 368

Age Demographic: New Adult

Kate arrives in Paris hoping to find inspiration. Instead she finds Rylan. In a swirl of stolen kisses and hot, tangled sheets, Kate is quickly swept away by the sexy stranger, longing to surrender to his expert touch. With Rylan, nothing is forbidden-except the truth.

An American ex-pat worth millions, Rylan never flaunts his fortune. Rather, he guards his identity from everyone, especially women. No strings, no commitments, no complications. But the second his lips taste Kate's soft, sweet skin, everything changes. For the first time, Rylan has found someone to share his every want and need. Yet he knows that secrets stand between them. To keep her, he'll need to confess the truth before it's too late . . . even if doing so could mean losing Kate forever.

Can you feel the heat rising already?! 

I can. 

Book Excerpt from
Seven Nights to Surrender
Written by Jeanette Grey

Kate stayed firmly planted in her seat as he offered to help her up. Trying her best to appear unaffected, she arched one eyebrow. "Does this usually work for you?"

The guy didn't pull his hand back or in any other way appear to alter his strategy, and Kate had to give him points for that. "Yes, actually."

"Interesting."

The sad truth was, his offer was beyond tempting. The attention was nice, especially after her self-esteem had been beaten down the way it had in the past year. Hell, in the past twenty-two. It wouldn't hurt to have someone who spoke fluent French showing her around, either. That he was as attractive as he was just made the deal sweeter.

"Not working so well on you, then?" he asked as she considered him.

"Not so far."

His smile only widened. "Good. I like a girl who's hard to crack." Standing up straighter, he held his palms out at his sides. "Come on, what have you got to lose?"

"I'd say my wallet, but that's already gone."

"See? Low stakes. Listen, you don't trust me." That was an understatement. Was there a man left on Earth that she did? "I don't blame you. Devilishly handsome man wanders into a café and buys you a drink without asking? Offers to show you around town? Very suspicious."

"Very."

"So let's make this safe. You said you wanted to see the Louvre? Let's go to the Louvre. I'll show you all my favorites, and then if I haven't murdered you by supper time, you let me take you someplace special. Someplace no guide book in the world would ever recommend."

She was really running out of reasons to say no. It was a good plan, this one. They'd be in a public place. She'd have time to feel him out a little more. And if he wasn't too much of a psycho, well, everyone had to eat, didn't they?

Still, she kept up her air of skepticism. She rather liked all his efforts to convince her. "I don't even know your name."

The way his dimples shone when he lifted up one corner of his mouth was completely unfair. Extending his hand again, he offered, "Rylan. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Rylan. That was unusual. She liked it.

"Kate," she volunteered in return, and with no more real excuse not to, she accepted the handshake, slipping her palm into his. Warm fingers curled around hers, his thumb stroking the side of her hand, and oh. The rake. He bent forward as he tugged on her hand, twisting ever so slightly so he could press his lips to the back of her palm.

"Charmed."

"I'll bet you are." But her pulse was racing faster, and the kiss felt like it seared all the way to her spine.

This man was dangerous.

He straightened up but he didn't let go. Sweeping his other arm toward the door, he asked, "So?"

She hummed to herself as she gazed up at him, as if there was any question of what she was going to do. His blue eyes sparkled, like he already knew her answer, too.

"Well." She rose from her seat, feeling taller than usual. More powerful. Maybe it was all the flattery of a guy like this hitting on her. Maybe it was the headiness of making this kind of a decision. Either way, it made her straighten her shoulders and insert a little sway into the movement of her hips.

"Well?"

"Lead on," she said.

He didn't let go of her hand. "That's what I was hoping you'd say." With a squeeze of her fingers, he took a step toward the door. "Let's go look at some art."

External pressures aside, she had come to Paris to be inspired by beauty. She could find it on the walls of a famous museum. And she could find it in the lines of this man's shoulders and throat. The latter might not have been what she'd had in mind when she'd set out, but what was a little bit of a diversion?

You couldn't find yourself without taking a couple of side trips, after all.

© 2015 Jeanette Grey. From Seven Nights to Surrender by Jeanette Grey, published by Forever.
All rights reserved.

Have I convinced you enough or do you need a little more enticement, with an awesome giveaway where you'll have ten chances to win ten copies of this swoon-worthy romance?!

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About the Author

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Jeanette Grey started out with degrees in physics and painting, which she dutifully applied to stunted careers in teaching, technical support, and advertising. When she isn't writing, Jeanette enjoys making pottery, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and her pet frog. She lives, loves, and writes in upstate New York.

She is the author of Take What You Want, Get What You Need, When the Stars Align and multiple other swoon-worthy romances that will knock your socks off and keep your feels tied up in knots. 

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