Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Blog Tour | Withering Rose by Kaitlyn Davis

 Withering Rose (Once Upon a Curse #2)
Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling
Release Date: May 17th 2016

Summary: 

 **A USA Today Recommended Series!**

What if Beauty was cursed, and the Beast was the only one who could save her? Don't miss WITHERING ROSE, a dystopian romance from bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Beauty & The Beast. This is the second book in Once Upon A Curse, a series of interconnected stand-alone novels all set in the same fantasy universe.

"As the heat finally disappeared, I felt the bloom blossom in the very core of my soul, a rose just like my name—a ticking clock hidden behind a façade of beauty. From that moment on, my life would become a countdown, and all I could do was wait and watch as the petals of time slowly started to fall."

Omorose Bouchene has a secret—magic. There's only one problem. At the age of seven, an earthquake struck, catapulting her into a new world. A land made of skyscrapers and cell phones. Fast cars and fluorescent lights. A land where magic isn't supposed to exist and anyone who wields it is the enemy.

But after ten years of hiding, she's desperate to find a place where she can be free. Because all magic comes with a curse, and her curse is time—every ounce of power she uses strips days off of her life. The clock is winding down, and the only option left is to escape to the realm ruled by a man known only as the Beast. But the king of monsters isn’t what he seems. And the more Omorose opens her heart, the more she comes to realize that the only person she may need to fear is herself. 


Buy Links:


Gathering Frost Buy Links:

RAVE REVIEWS for Gathering Frost!

"My favorite thing about this book is the action. Jade isn't a sleeping princess. She's the best fighter and so fierce in her "empty" state. I felt like this was an urban fantasy with all the steam of a romance, and it was almost perfect for me." - Jessie Potts, USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog

"Davis writes with confidence and poise, and the story's many twists and turns stave off predictability and allow readers to become immersed in a starkly magical world filled with last hopes." - Publisher's Weekly

"Gathering Frost is just awesome in every wayBeautiful prose, lots of heart-wrenching emotion, action and romance, a great, unstoppable villain, and a smart, tough heroine who will fight for what she wants." - Geeks in High School

"The writing is flawless as always and I must say, way to take a classic and make such a creative and wonderful twist to it...It's well thought out and it unbelievably magnificent. I seriously couldn't put it down. Wait I never actually put it down. I started and finished in one sitting because it's just that good. This one is a MUST READ." - Happy Tails and Tales Blog




The Fairy Tale World I'd Love To Live In Is…

One of my favorite things about writing and reading is the chance to experience new worlds! Nothing excites me more than diving into a new novel and living vicariously through the characters for a few hours.

I mean, let's be honest. What's more fun—cooking dinner for the umpteenth time or pretending to be a fire wielding sorceress falling in love with a werewolf while on the hunt for a dangerous new evil? If your answer isn't number two, I'm not sure you're in the right place! ;)

So, since my new book Withering Rose is a twisted take on Beauty & The Beast and the entire Once Upon A Curse series retells classic fairy tales, I figured I'd indulge a little. After all, I frequently spend the afternoon daydreaming—why not daydream about fairy tales? There's a little bit of everything I need—charming princes, evil queens, wondrous magic, swoony romance…did I mention charming princes?

Let's narrow it down. First, I'm speaking Disney tales with happily ever afters! While I love writing twisted takes on the originals, the gruesome direction they often travel in is more the thing of my nightmares!

With that base, I'm going into a top three!

Tangled—because, hello, Flynn Rider. Every girl needs a Flynn Rider. And the lantern ceremony at the end is so incredibly beautiful I would love to visit for the day of the festival and partake! 

Beauty & The Beast—Books, books, and more books! The library of my dreams! Not to mention amazing French pastries, dances beneath a blanket of stars, and the brooding beast himself.

Aladdin—The best magic! Who wouldn't want to ride the flying carpet around the world while being serenaded by a charming thief with a heart of gold? Or have a pet tiger—amazing! Or a genie as a best friend. Really, the list goes on and on!

So…the time has come. I choose…drumroll please…

Beauty & The Beast! My book nerd nature wins out :)


Which fairy tale world would you want to live in? Why?

About the Author
Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. 

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found indulging in some puppy videos, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

To stay up-to-date with all of Kaitlyn's new releases, sign up for her new release newsletter here: TinyLetter.com/KaitlynDavisBooks

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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Book Review | The Stone Key by Natasha Brown

The Stone KeyThe Stone Key by Natasha Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nimrod and Pepper's second adventure was even more incredible than their first! When I met them in The Novel Adventures of Nimrod Vale Book 1, I got to know Nimrod fairly well. But I feel like I got to know Pepper a lot better in this adventure, and I love her! The two make an incredible pair.

The second adventure was more thrilling than the first. The world they find and explore is so imaginative and beautiful. The author used a lot of scientific words and phrases to discuss events and clues they were following, but I found myself following along very easily, and even trying to guess at things here and there. I loved it!

The secondary story, which of course is Nim and Pepper's actual lives, focused more on Pepper this time, which is why I feel I know her so much better. There is so much more to her character than I realized. I'm so glad it was included in this story. I hope both Nim and Pepper's characters continue to grow with each new adventure they take.



View all my reviews

Friday, May 27, 2016

Book Blitz | The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon


The Midnight Society (The Midnight Chronicles #1)
by Rhonda Sermonmon
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 31st 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Witness protection has a protocol for dealing with every situation—except magic. 

Fifteen-year-old Cate's life has been monitored since her new identity was created five years ago. She's spent countless hours learning how to deal with potential threats and dangerous situations. None of which is any use when everyone around her is suddenly frozen like statues at the bus stop. 

As Cate attempts to make sense of the frightening scene, a mysterious group of teenagers appear out of thin air. They are intrigued she’s not affected, but focus on completing their deadly mission, using baffling powers before they vanish again. 

When the group seeks her out the next day, Cate is drawn into a world filled with sorcery and time travel. After she accidentally brings a cheerleader back from the dead, her incredible powers are revealed. Cate is shocked to discover she has a pivotal role to play in a centuries-old battle between two mortal enemies which threatens to destroy her entire world.

With the distinction between good and evil blurred, she’s faced with the excruciating choice of which side to join. Cate can save her family or protect thousands of people from death. She can't do both. Will she risk destroying innocent lives to save the ones she loves?

The Midnight Society is the first book in The Midnight Chronicles series of young adult urban fantasy novels. If you like original butt-kicking heroines, fast-paced urban fantasy action, and unpredictable time travel twists, then you’ll love Rhonda Sermon’s refreshing, entertaining series starter. 

The Midnight Society was originally released as Timesurfers. This book has a new name, new cover and additional content.  



Excerpt

Eve threw her arms around Cate with so much force, they collided with a group of students from their school standing at the bus stop. “I rushed to find you the second I heard. Are you okay?”
Cate disentangled herself from her friend’s overzealous bear hug. “What are you talking about?”
The mobile phones from the nearby students beeped in quick succession and they looked from their glowing screens to Cate.
Eve’s eye’s widened, and she snatched Cate’s phone from her hand just as it beeped. “Before you read that text, remember I may be your only friend, but I’m an awesome one. It’s not like you need a boyfriend. You’ve got me.”
Unfortunately, that wasn’t true. Cate’s witness protection rules specifically stated she needed a boyfriend. Her breath, mixed with the freezing air, created smoke as she exhaled. “Let me see the text.”
“Prepare yourself.” Her friend squeezed her eyes shut and held the phone out for Cate to read the new text message. 


Pre-order Links:
Amazon


Advance Praise:
"Sermon has done a brilliant job. All her characters are realistic and breathe a certain kind of wisdom - Marne Smith.

"WOW! This novel took me on an amazing ride... I recommend it to anyone looking for a new fun read" - SandraTheBookWorm.

"A unique, fast paced and compelling read with a very quirky and cool main character that has kick ass rainbow coloured hair" – MollieTheReader

"One of my favourite fantasy novels" - RachelReads
"Hands down the best Indie Book I've read" - Meleika - EndlessPagesinc



The letter I received from my future self

Dear 2010 Rhonda,

You’ve just started writing a YA fantasy novel. I know this because I’ve already written it. High fives all round. Despite a flair for doing everything wrong numerous times, it turned out okay. People you don’t know are buying it and reading it. The cover is gorgeous!

Because I love you I’m going to give you a few tips that will save you a lot of hair pulling.

1.       Firstly the last Harry Potter book was made into two movies and they were both amazing.

2.       A bit of housekeeping. You are still married to the same man and live in the same house. Both kids are healthy and doing fine. Your parents are alive and well. They just sold their house and are moving. You are now FIFTY KG lighter and a size 8!

3.       Congratulations on finding something that you absolutely love. Thank goodness you don’t know how bad that first chapter you wrote is. It’s 1000 times worse than you think. Please research point-of-view.

4.       Time travel, wizards and zombies...yes you got them all in there.

5.       You will rewrite the first chapter of Timesurfers over 200 times. Absolute truth.

6.       Cate will often be moody, annoying, whiney and a bit self absorbed. So like a real teenager. Her powers will evolve as you go. Then one day as you’re listening Cher on the radio it will come to you.

7.       Austin will be the most difficult character to work with. The boy has serious swagger. His look, his dialogue everything will be hard work. But in the end people will love him. Go figure.

8.       Jonah will always be your favourite character. But you knew that already.

9.       Eve will scream PLOT TWIST at the most unexpected moment. It will be brilliant.

10.   Rose is a complete bad ass. She says all the things you wish you could say to people.

11.   When you get to Chapter 15 and realise there is no plot to your story. Step away from your laptop carefully. This is actually the best thing that could have happened. Trust me. You will go through all the stages of grief before that becomes apparent.

12.   To get the finished 91,627 words you will write well over a million.

13.   I know a pen name seems like a good idea now, but when you set up your social media and start your cover artwork use your own name. I can’t tell you how much time and money that will save you.

14.   Ignore the person who is mean the first day you join TBNW. You will meet a fabulous group of super talented writers who you now call your friends. Don’t let it worry you when they write and release 4, 5 or maybe 6 books while you’re still working on your first.

15.   Ebooks – They are here to stay don’t let anyone tell you different.

16.   The lotto numbers next week are... (Yep I’m still hilarious!)

Love 2016 Rhonda


About the Author
Rhonda Sermon lives in the mostly sunny Perth, Western Australia with her husband and two children. 
Her debut young adult urban fantasy novel Timesurfers was a finalist in the Young Adult category and overall runner up in the The Strongest Start 2012 Contest hosted by TheNextBigWriter.com. 
On the good days, she adores writing, on the challenging days, it's still awesome.
Her two ragdoll cats can often be found helpfully walking over her keyboard, chasing her mouse or generally complaining loudly about the lack of priority their needs are being given.
She's a big Harry Potter fan, loves everything the talented Cassie Clare writes and her fav Aussie author is Jessica Shirvington. Her 11 and 13 year old children read ALL the time so she is always on the lookout for new and exciting books.
Author Links:
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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Cover Reveal | Zero by Morgan Dark


Zero
by Morgan Dark
Release Date: June 28th 2016
Rubiños 1860

Summary:
Kyle Bradford is the envy of Drayton College, but everything takes a turn when a dangerous shadow, hidden in the darkness, starts to stalk him. From then on, his life falls apart. Unjustly accused of being the main suspect behind the robberies terrifying high society, he is forced to prove his innocence. And to do so, he has to find the real culprit: Zero, an infallible criminal who keeps his identity hidden under a silver mask. What Kyle does not know is that his enemy is keeping a secret. A secret he would sacrifice everything for. 


Bestselling Author Morgan Dark's Zero to Hit Online Bookstores on June 28, 2016
First book in a captivating new YA series that has created a literary trend among Spanish teenagers known as "Zeromania"

The highly anticipated young adult bestseller ZERO will go on sale on 28rd of June, in an exclusive ebook edition. First novel to the hottest new young adult series of the moment, it will be available in more than 30 countries simultaneously.
Written by Spanish-Northamerican author Morgan Dark, ZERO is, probably, one of the most expected YA books of the year. Published on September 2015 in Spain, it was inmediately #1, with thousands of pre-sales accumulated the precedents weeks, and hit the bestseller lists on its first day of sales.
The positive reviews of journalists and bloggers –some of which has compared the book with Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling– has confirmed the book success and has enshrined ZERO as one of the most outstanding books of the 2015. Not without reason, the novel displaced Divergent, Insurgent and Diary of a Wimpy Kid from the top of the bestseller lists and it has won the Kritica Award in 2015 (Best YA Book of the year).
«I never thought that the characters and the book would be so well received. In fact, I did not realize how successful the novel was until I start receiving emails from fans. I will always be grateful for the reception that ZERO has had up to now. As a writer, I feel hugely satisfied in knowing that there are many readers enthusiastically waiting for my books», said Morgan Dark, the writer of the novel.
Following precedent bestsellers such as Hunger Games, The Mortal Instruments or The Maze Runner, ZERO is a masterful young adult thriller. With an exclusive boarding school as backdrop, the book revolves around the epic confrontation between two antagonists: Kyle Bradford, a popular student with a perfect life, and Zero, a dangerous thief willing to do anything to achieve what he wants. The novel has a clever plot of hectic pace, with no lack of turning points and surprises. All the story is a huge puzzle of hidden secrets and half-truths in which nothing is what it seems to be.
ZERO will be published simultaneously on June 28, 2016 in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and India, only in digital format. The second book of the series –DOUBLE ZERO– will go on sale in Spain on June 8.
·         Debuted at #1 on Amazon.es best seller list
·         #1 on sales in Spain
·         Record of presales
·         Winner of the Kritica Award (Best YA Book of 2015)

·         On sale on the 28rd of June in more than 30 countries

ZERO Book Reviews
«Zero is a book which could set a new trend. It’s light, different from tales that abound in the realm of young adult fiction. It is, without a doubt, among the most exciting, well-written, and addictive novels of the moment.» — Literature Watchers
«Zero's an incredible book, one of the best I’ve read this year, addictive and impressive.» — A Stronger Hope
«Zero is an exciting and addictive novel, full of mystery, secrets and tension that draws you in wondering what’s going to happen next.» — Chronicle & Cover
«Zero’s on par with some of the most wellrespected young adult literature of our time.» — Katherina’s Thoughts
«Zero is an addictive read with an whirlwind pace topped off with surprises and mystery.» —Words Of Books
«Does it deserve the praise it’s received or is it just a mere rehashing? After finishing the book, the tension of the plot still simmering in my head, the answer is it does. It undoubtedly does.» — Culturamas
«Zero is a highly recommendable novel that takes the conventions of the young adult genre to the next level with an irresistible story that borders on perfection.» — Crow Magazine


About the Author
Morgan Dark is one of the most original teenage literature writers. Always enveloped in suspense, as of yet no one knows her true identity. She began writing ZERO after a hooded man robbed her in her New York apartment. Included amongst the stolen items was her favorite ring. After ZERO became one of the most awaited teenage books in 2015, her ring showed up in her
house again… in black envelope with no sender. 
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