Tour Stop {Guest Post/ Giveaway}: Ignite by Erica Crouch

Ignite
by Erica Crouch
346 pages
Published June 11th 2013
by Patchwork Press

Penemuel (Pen) fell from grace over a millennium ago, yet there are still times she questions her decision to follow her twin brother, Azael, to Hell. Now that the archangel Michael has returned, threatening Lucifer’s vie for the throne, she begins questioning everything she has always believed.
As Hell prepares for war - spreading a demonic virus and pilfering innocent souls to build an army - the lines separating the worlds blur. Fates erase and the future is left unwritten. Azael is determined that he and his sister will continue to serve as demons together, but for the first time in her life, Pen is not ruled by destiny. She has the freedom of choice.
With choice comes sacrifice, and Pen must decide which side she’s willing to risk everything fighting for: the light, or the dark.

Give ‘Em Hell: Pen & Fashion

Pen has the closet I wish I had. She’s effortlessly badass, with looser t-shirts, tight pants, and boots. The number one concern for Pen is comfort and movability -- not necessarily if she is fashionable. She has to be able to run, fly, and fight without her outfit causing her trouble. So, in modern times, she’s not overly fond of dresses or skirts, unless she’s got a pair of awesome tights. However, in the 20s, she was the picture-perfect flapper, with a gold sequined dress and t-strap heels. She knows how to fight in dresses and heels, but it’s much more practical (and comfortable!) to do so in jeans and a t-shirt!

LAYERS are a demon’s best friend. Tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and worn in leather jackets. Her color pallet is pretty dark (with a lot of gray and black) but she also loves the deep gem colors (emerald, burgundy, sapphires). And every now and then, she might have a pop of something gold. After all, gold was the color she wore as a scribe in Heaven. Pen loves boots. They’re easy to run in, to kick ass in, and to hold her dagger. I’d bet she’d also be a fan of sarcastic shirts, or any kind of graphic print with a literary reference. And of course, she never goes anywhere without her pendant.

Let’s get on to the outfits, shall we?

At the pond/cave

 

Excerpt:

I pause for only a moment before I zip my boots off, take my dagger and slide it through my belt. I place my boots next to Michael’s sweater and drop the backpack from my shoulder. I rest my hands on the edge of my shirt hesitantly before I pull it off and throw it towards my boots. Standing on the edge of the pond in my dark jeans and a thin black tank top, I let my toes skim the warm water.
 I bend my legs and launch myself into the pond. The sound of rushing water suddenly replaces the chirping of the forest. I arc out of the water, throwing my heavy, wet hair behind me.
The pond is deeper than I thought it was, and I have to tread water to stay afloat. I spin around and see Michael watching me with a weird expression. I skim my hand across the surface of the pond and send a wave of water towards him. “Now who’s staring?” I mock.

Training

Excerpt:

I turn away from him and walk forward, grabbing the strap of my backpack from under the tree. I reach inside to find a clean t-shirt and pull out a dark blue long-sleeved shirt. I shove my hands into the thin sleeves, the fabric clinging to my wet arms.
 Struggling to get my other arm through the shirt, I drop the backpack. I bring the shirt over my head and pull it down my chest and over my black tank top, settling the thin fabric at my hips. I slip my feet into my boots and zip up the sides, spinning around to scoop up my backpack again. But it’s gone. Instead, when I straighten up, I find Michael standing with the green backpack, one of the thin straps thrown over his shoulder. He smiles at me. “Looked like you needed some help. I can carry it if you would like.”

The Fight

 

Excerpt:

I pull my hair back behind my head in a messy knot and put on a newly cleaned long-sleeved shirt and a pair of tight, frayed jeans. Earlier this morning, I had room service deliver a rugged leather jacket I’d ordered from one of the boutiques across from the hotel, and I throw that over my shirt, too. It’s grown colder outside, my windows frosting over at the corners, and while the weather doesn’t have any particular effects on me, I find it’s best to blend in and pretend to be bothered by the cold. I tug on my boots, zipping them over the torn edges of my jeans. Briefly, I consider leaving my dagger behind but end up tucking it securely into my boot. It feels strange to be without it, so I bring it with me more out of habit than necessity. I grab my room card off of the nightstand, shove it into my back pocket, and leave the room, flipping off the lights just before the door slams closed behind me.

OTHER STANDOUTS IN PEN’S CLOSET

About the Author

Erica Crouch is a twenty-year-old living on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently working towards a degree in English and Creative Writing with a specialization in Fiction at Southern New Hampshire University. She spends all of her time writing and reading an overwhelming stack of books. Ignite is her debut novel and she is currently writing its sequel - in addition to two other series!
 

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Book to Movie Buzz

The Maze Runner by James Dashner will be coming to a theater near you in eight short months!

The Series that's sure to follow if the first movie does well:

The Maze Runner(2014)
Not Yet Rated

Mystery|Sci-Fi|Thriller  -  In Theaters 14 February 2014 (USA)

I'm excited about this one!  Time to catch up on the series!

Dreamheart Spotlight Update # 6

Ever since my interview with Katja Glieson (Dreamheart Spotlight # 36 ) I've been somewhat of a fan girl.  So it was an absolute thrill to get  notice of her very first offical single release:

 

Cover Reveal: Conjure by Jennifer Snyder

 

Available July 1, 2013

Sometimes to understand the present you have to conjure up the past...

The last thing Addison Harmon needed was to become tethered to the broody, often seemingly cold, Theo Van Rooyen, but that's exactly what happened.

Forced to partner up with Theo to figure out a way to break the tether, Addison soon realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

(New Adult/Mature Young Adult: Contains sexual situations, language, underage drinking, and drug usage.)

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

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Tour Stop {Guest Post/ Giveaway}: Shutdown by Heather Anastasiu

Shutdown (Glitch #3)
by Heather Anastasiu
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: July 2nd 2013
by St. Martin's Griffin
Goodreads | Amazon

The battle is all but over, and hope seems to be lost. Zoe and her fellow Resistance fighters are on the run, having lost their home, their protection, and their leader. They are outnumbered and outmatched by the powerful corporation that controls the world, and the cruel Chancellor is inches away from completing a scheme that would kill most of humanity. Zoe's only remaining option is to chase the impossible dream of upending the Link system, freeing the world from the hardware that controls their thoughts and emotions, and hope it will trigger a revolution.
The plot requires a nearly impossible mission to infiltrate the dangerous Community, and it is a task that Zoe must unfortunately complete alone. With challenges and surprises at every turn, nothing goes according to plan. Adrien's visions of the future now show two possible outcomes: one in which they succeed, and one in which humanity falls. It all lies in Zoe's hands.
Full of romance, high-adrenaline action and shocking twists, Shutdown is a heart-pounding conclusion to an exciting sci-fi adventure trilogy for young adults.

The thrilling conclusion to an action-packed sci-fi trilogy.

The Glitch Trilogy

How fun! Fashion is something that Zoe and the other drones don’t even think about at the beginning of the series—they just wear the standard uniform they’re given—but as the series progresses, some of the characters realize that fashion is a part of individuality, and as they come to know themselves more as individuals once they’re freed from the Community, they can reflect that in the choices of what they wear.



One character especially, Ginny, becomes kind of a fashion maven. 
From Override:

Ginni had been ignoring our conversation and kept pushing material through her machine, but she stood up and dramatically twirled the fabric in a circle. “All done. It’s called a skirt!” she exclaimed. The skirt was patchwork, made from odd-shaped squares of old Community uniforms, some ex-Reg coverall blue, browns from the service worker uniforms, even the surgeon’s reds. “Isn’t it pretty?”
Xona touched the cloth skeptically. “Looks like it’d be hard to run in.”
This time it was Ginni who rolled her eyes. “It’s not for running. It’s for looking pretty.” She grabbed the skirt back from Xona.

For a lot of the second and third book, Zoe is stuck in a super form fitting bio-suit that looks a little something like this (not the most fashion-foward, but it gets the job done). 
From Override:

I opened the plastic bag that held the new suit. It was smaller than I expected, made of dark blue stretchy material that was only about a centimeter thick. There weren’t any boots on the bottom, and I slipped my foot into the leg just like I would a sock. The suit pulled up snug around my waist. Really snug. I thought of Adrien holding me earlier in the bulky suit and wondered with a blush what he’d think of me in this one.

For Xona, a hardened resistance fighter, it’s more about the accessories. 
From Override:

Xona gave a quick nod but didn’t look our way. She hopped up on the counter […] Her legs dangled and I could see a small laser weapon strapped at her ankle, even though she was still in her sleep clothes.

Jilia on the other hand is all about casual. 
From Override:

Jilia filled a pot with water so hot steam rose from it. Her hair was in a bun again, but with the full morning light coming through the plastic window, I could see a few gray tendrils tucked in against the brown above her ears. She wore a simple faded red tunic.

Book Blast: Romancing the RA by Ashelyn Drake

Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1)

by Ashelyn Drake

Release Date: 05/28/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl. 
And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.
But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

 
(only $.99!)

He’s stunned at first and doesn’t move. I start to pull away, thinking I’ve made a huge mistake, but then I feel Andy’s hand on my lower back, pulling me closer. His lips part, and he deepens the kiss.

Every inch of me is on fire. Andy’s an incredible kisser, but the position we’re in is awkward. I reach my hands up and bury my fingers in his hair, which prompts him to lift me onto his lap. Much better. Our bodies are pressed so close I can feel every inch of him. My lungs are screaming for air, but I’m not willing to give in to them. I’ve been dying to kiss Andy ever since he first smiled at me, and I’ll be damned if I’m backing away that quickly.

His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes.

“Wow.”

He can say that again. “Yeah.”

“I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn’t have to make the first move.”

“And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”

           

He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

About the Author

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Look for her debut New Adult romance, Romancing the R.A., from S.B. Addison Books!
*Author Links*Website│Twitter│Goodreads│Facebook

Signed Romancing the R.A. postcard and $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (INT)

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Tour Stop {Guest Post}: Fly, Pray, Love by Kerry Taylor

Fly, Pray, Love
by Kerry Taylor
Genre: Romantic Comedy
130 pages
Amazon Apple Nook Createspace Kobo

Josephine is in her mid-thirties and is fed up that she has never been love. On a trip to Bahamas, she has the pleasure of sitting next to Robert, or in her eyes, Brad Pitt. Robert, who is in an unhappy long term relationship with another woman, develops a soft spot for the woman he nicknames Beyoncé. . This is the first of many trips, but will they ever reunite? Will it be too late for their high-flying attraction if they do? US meets UK in this cross-Atlantic romance.

Let's talk "STYLE" with the leading ladies of Fly, Pray, Love!

 

 

 

Josephine:

I arrive at the airport and I feel relief at the news I am given The plane is delayed. I am in heaven. One hour, thank you for your bad weather, London, one plus of living in the UK. Thank goodness for the leaves. Now they are affecting the planes.
If only I had packed properly, I argue with myself as the air stewardess claims my baggage is overweight.
“Yes, that is true in bodily size, but in suitcase sizes how that is possible? How can I be ten kilograms overweight? What are my options?”
“Go on a diet!” she exclaims under her breath.
“I have never been so insulted,” I exclaim.
She responds, “Are you sure? You women go on holiday to our islands just to get a man. Can you not find one locally? Just do an ad in the local newspaper. You will get one in no time.”
I start to furiously scratch my head.
“Did I not pay for this flight? Do I not pay your wages, so you can support your fifteen children back home? Why I am going, and what I am going for, is none of your business,” I start screaming.
Seriously, is this madness happening to me, or am I just dreaming? I wonder.
“Let me pay for the excess and speak to your supervisor,” I tell the attendant.
She leans over and whispers, “If you want to wait for my supervisor, I am not sure you will make your flight!” Then, she winks! I start to feel a rage take over me, I need to stop and calm myself down.  I am unable to think right now, so I start taking a few deep breathes then  reluctantly pay for the excess and take note of the attendant’s name.
First thing when I arrive, I’m writing a letter. I start composing it in my head. I voice this out loud.
The attendant ignores me.

Olivia:

“Can Olivia Brent, Kanesha Grant, Josephine Mensah, Sandra Wilson, and Natasha Thomas please make your way to Gate number 20, this is the final call.”
I shout out, “Shit, they are right, they are calling our names!”
Like mad women, we all rush to the gate as if our lives depend on it.
Olivia, with her curvy figure and tight clothing, is running with one breast hanging out of her low cut top. Running like it is the first time she has ever run in her life. We point out her breast, and all she can scream is, “I do not care! I do not care!”

Kanesha:

We try to sort ourselves out before boarding the plane. It is obvious we do not do a very good job. The smirks of laughter as we get on the plane make it obvious. The worst part about it is all we can shout to the two ladies that are causing most of the commotion is, “Just take the damn wig off and Olivia put your breast in! Kanesha, take off your shoe!”
Kanesha replies, “I can’t! I did not bring any other shoes!”
“Well, you cannot be walking around with one shoe, can you?”
“I have another pair in my bag that will fit.”
We all turn and look at Natasha.
“What – I bought another pair before we boarded!” The flight to Portugal seems to last a lifetime. There is only one thing on all of our minds, Let us get to the villa and sort ourselves out. I am dying of hunger, and sweating like a pig. I really need to exercise more, and the little trek we took to get on the plane made that obvious. Sandra and that bloody wig are the things that constantly race through my mind.