Sunday, August 30, 2015

Summer

Where did it go?

So I guess summer is sort of over for me, as Curtis went back to dad's for the school year. This is hard for us, even though we know that it's a necessary step.  I enjoy having him here, because we get do a lot of things together. He learns a few new recipes for his cooking/baking skills each year.  This year I showed him how to make lasagna, Beef & Broccoli stir-fry, pan-fried zucchini disk and he made a chocolate chip cake for a Scout's function with the help of Mom's trusting old Betty Crocker book.  We went shopping, to see Jurassic World and did a Boy Scout 10 mile walk - when only 5 of it counted. In the picture below, he was working on his Map & Compass requirements. This picture was taken early in the walk and it reminds me a lot of his Father.

"So we have to go this way says the compass."

We worked on swimming skills and he went to the big Boy Scout camp @ Camp Rotary again. And earned himself 8 badges and him looking forward to next years.  He turned 13 just before he went back to dad's and had another grow spurt just about the same time.  It's hard to believe that he can almost look me straight in the eyes and I shake my head because come next summer, he very well could be doin' just that.  We worked out his first quilt, where he has done which step with little assistance from mom.

"Yea... {insert eye roll here}The preheat buzzed"

"Needs MORE Chocolate Mom!"

But what his leaving means is that  I can drag everything back out to the dining room table. Since we was busier this year with a variety of Boy Scout functions, doctor appointments and various other things, I find that I'm so far behind on all things quilty. Like a test pattern for Bea due in Sept., the sandwiching of a quilt top from TQPM and some hand stitching.  Along with some other projects that I was wanting to start too.

I also decided I wanted to knitting a dress for my Grand-daughter, even though I have no real skills yet and jumped right into the fire with this pattern.  My friend is helping me - and still can't believe of all of her patterns; I picked this one. Which by the way is not a beginners pattern.

Cordie's Pink Camo Dress

And there is a special project that I started August 28th.  I was able to cut out 3 of the 36 combined total blocks once I pushed myself away from the computer in the afternoon.  I then started hand stitching the pieces together on the first block when I sat down @ 9pm before heading to bed at 10pm.  I got 4 HST blocks stitched. It's not quite the speedy beginning, I had set out to do; but I can continue on the block this evening.  I have a personal goal of one block in a week.  I had changed that from one block = one night. These blocks are 12 1/2" unfinished blocks.  I don't want to feel rushed and I still have to do some others things that I'm committed to.  But I guess I can show you a few things about this special project in the pictures below.  The Top Right Fabric is the Focus Fabric for all of the blocks. I will try for better photo when I get new batteries for the camera, but you can kind of see the colors. These are Gail Kessler's "Old English Rose" collection.

This is the Special Project


These are some of the fabrics.

I recently checked out a book on how to do Vintage eyes & hair-do's. So today, I am working on the 1920's Sultry Eyes. I'm not so sure about this, as it has me lining my bottom water edge. My eyes are watering and the bags under said eyes are even more noticeable. But I tell my self to keep with it as I have an event in October that I need to understand my make-up and the failure called hair.  It just won't hold a curl for the life of me.  And I'm afraid that I will burn it if I keep trying that curling iron.  I see it's time to turn my head upside down and give the split ends a trim.  I had stopped for a moment and tried to remember when I had a proper hair cut last, when I realized it was mid-December of 2007!  WOW! But if all goes well enough, the reason for all this self-torture will be worth it. So I continue onward & upward in the world of make-up.  I guess this 43 year old still have a few tricks to learn yet.

In other news - I was told - I no longer could run around barefoot due to having a lift added to the right side of things. The outer voice was like: umm okay,  whatever you say doctor.  The inner voice was: WAIT WHAT!!! I have to wear shoes all the time!!!!! The horror of it all!! NOOOOOOoooooooo! This can't be what we just heard!  What? He is saying all over again.  Dang Nab IT!!! It's true. So this is what my view of my footsies look like these days.

Now where is that fainting couch 'cuz I sure could use it right about now.

Even my reading suffered some this summer but I would say over I didn't miss so much while my son was here.  I know that winter is slowly creeping in at a snail's pace where I'll have time to pick it back up when I'm snowed in.  I have some that I can do reviews on but those are on my Booklikes.com blog. So I won't clutter this one all up with those.

The girls has had some outside time in their makeshift rope harness's, much to the dismay of that obnoxious chipmunk. Which has been seen or heard of ever since then. At least not from the back yard.  And the girls still like to watch the bunnies in the front yard every evenings when the inside door is open.

Looks!! It's that Dang Chipmunk!!!

Hey Honey!  There be our bunny friend again!!

As you can see there is plenty of things going on around here.  With more than enough to keep me busy, so I'll try to keep this little blog going by posting more often then once a month.  If I fail to do so - feel free to send me a reminder.  Until next time...


Toodles,

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Into The Mist By Judith Ingram

Look what time it is. Yep - you guessed it, It's time for another BBT book.



Into the Mist (Moonseed series Bk. #3)

Author: Judith Ingram
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel, Paranormal
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing, LLC
Publish Date:07/24/2015



For the past six months, time-traveler Victoria Ashton has been living life as Katherine Kamarov on a ranch in rural California, circa 1890.
For the past six months, time-traveler Victoria Ashton has been living life as Katherine Kamarov on a ranch in rural California, circa 1890. A contrast to Katherine’s brash personality, shy and gentle Victoria has won the hearts of Katherine’s family and particularly her cousin Michael. Despite her deepening love for Michael, she has rejected his offer of marriage and sent him away, knowing that she must return to her own time on the night of the new spring moon.

In this third and final book of the series, sinister forces threaten Victoria’s new family, her property, and even her life, testing her for courage and ingenuity. A confident new self emerges, and when Michael unexpectedly walks back into her life, she questions whether she must remain a victim of fate or can find a way to determine her own future.

Meanwhile, Katherine has been living a parallel year of exchange in Victoria’s modern-day life, married to the handsome but remote Ryan Ashton. Hardened by her past, Katherine nevertheless falls for Ryan and, like Victoria, begins to search for a way to defy fate and keep the life she has come to cherish.

As the night of the new spring moon approaches, both women must search their hearts to discover how to hold onto what matters most, even if they should be forced back through the barrier of time.

Available @ Amazon




Excerpt:

He didn’t hear her slide the door open and step out behind him. Her arms circled his waist, and the faint scent of ginger spice shot twin arrows of joy and pain through his body. Wordlessly, he turned and brought his mouth down on hers. Enveloped in the soft twilight hush, they shared a kiss that was deep and long and achingly sweet. When they pulled reluctantly apart, Ryan let his eyes linger over her, already naming the vision being etched in his memory. This is how my love looked in twilight.

She was wearing her white robe, and her blond hair curled softly, just brushing her shoulders. It’s gotten longer, Ryan thought. He suddenly wanted her to cut it again, as if keeping her hair short would somehow help her to keep her claim on this body—on this life—and prevent Vicki from coming back.

Tori moved to the rail and stared out over the city deepening into dusk. “It’s started, Ryan,” she said quietly.

He moved to stand beside her. “What’s started?”

She turned and leaned an elbow on the rail, holding him with a steady gaze. “What we’ve dreaded. I dreamed about the bridge.” She lifted a shoulder. “It’s only a week away. I should have expected it.” She drew in a breath that trembled. “She was already there, standing on the bridge. Waiting for me.”

At his look, she put out her hand and covered his. “Don’t hate her, Ryan. She didn’t ask for this to happen any more than I did.” She smiled faintly. “I would have, though, if I’d known you would be here. I wouldn’t have missed this time with you for anything. No matter what happens, I’ll carry you in my heart until the day I die.”

Ryan couldn’t speak. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. He could do nothing but stare at her in mute despair.

She turned her back on the glittering city and leaned both elbows on the rail, staring through the glass doors into their living room. The soft light of the table lamps was growing imperceptibly brighter as the dusk surrendered to night.

“Do you ever wonder, Ryan, what Victoria will be like when she comes back?”

“She’s not coming back.” His voice cracked.

“She’s had a whole year, Ryan, just like me. A lot can happen in a year. She may surprise you.”

“She won’t get the chance.” His jaw tightened. “I’m not letting you go, Tori. I can’t. Vicki doesn’t belong here anymore. This is your home, with Christina and me.” He covered the crack in his voice with harshness. “How can you stand there and calmly talk about Vicki coming back while you just up and vanish from our lives? Like it’s already decided, like it’s so easy for you—”




Judith Ingram weaves together her love of romance and mystery as well as her training as a counselor to create stories and characters for her novels. She is also the author of a Christian guide to forgiving and posts weekly devotionals on the role of forgiveness in healing relationships. She lives with her husband in the San Francisco East Bay and makes frequent trips to beautiful Sonoma County, where many of her fiction characters reside. She confesses a love for chocolate, cheesecake, romantic suspense novels, movies that require three hankies, and all things feline.

Website, blog and free weekly devotional: http://JudithIngram.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudithIngramAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@judithingram20

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/judith-ingram/a/122/62

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5356538.Judith_Ingram




Well let me say first, that I have not read the first two books, so I felt like I  was a bit lost on the bases of the back story.  I would recommend reading the two previous books before this one. But let me go on to say that I did enjoy the book overall.

You can see that the intricate details of the characters took up some time to develop in the series and is evident in this book as well. There at times, the author shows us that when it come to write each new event that it can be difficult to write each character in a parallel universe and to keep it straightforward and not cause the reader to become confused. I know that I have come across this problem in other books/series, that I have read before this one; this isn't always the case.

The only reason I had a touch of trouble with the book was because I didn't read the previous books in the series.  I do believe this book still deserves 4 out of 5 stars. It would most likely get a 5 once I have read the other two books.

 

Of course there is a Give-A-Way and what a give-a-way it is with lots of goodies to have a chance at.  Be sure to enter in the form below or at the direct link listed below.

They are as follows:

Tour giveaway July 27- August 24
2 e-book (.pdf or .epub) bundles of trilogy Books 1 & 2
2 signed paperback copies of trilogy bundle Books 1 & 2 with bookmarks
2 e-book copies (.pdf or .epub) of Into the Mist
2 signed paperback copies of Into the Mist with bookmarks
4 $25 Amazon gift cards 
4 purse charms featuring book cover and story theme charms



a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 27 Character Interview
Diane’s Book Blog 
July 28 Spotlight
Marianne Willis Author
July 29 Spotlight
CBY Book Club
July 29 Spotlight
Reily Garrett
July 29 Spotlight
Shyla Wolff
July 30 Interview
Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Please Join us 8-10pm EST for the Facebook Party on Friday, August 14
August 3 Review
Ramblings of a Quilter (this is me)
August 4 Spotlight
T's Stuff  
August 5 Review
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
August 6 Spotlight
Eskimo Princess Book Reviews
August 7 Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!   
August 10 Spotlight
Dark Side of Romance
August 11Guest Blog
Roxanne’s Realm
August 12 Spotlight
Books N Pearls 
August 13 Review
Books and Authors
August 14 Spotlight
Romance That's 'Out Of This World'
August 17 Character Interview
Eclipse Reviews
August 18 Interview
Author Karen Swart
August 19 Guest Blog/Top Ten List
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
August 20 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
August 21 Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt
August 24 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
Well here's to another review brought to you by:


Well that is another edition put to bed. Until next time...
Toodles,
Tricia

Monday, July 27, 2015

The Sephra's Tear by Robyn Bachar

I would like introduce this wonderful new book in the BBT bookcase to you.

 

Author: Robyn Bachar
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Robyn Bachar
Publish Date: 6/1/15

From the Back: 

 

Just one spell will change their fates…

Cordelia is a pawn of House Dorchada—a notorious noble family comprised of thieves, assassins and dark wizards. Desperate to avoid their poisonous politics, Cordelia plotted her escape for years, but her carefully laid plans are jeopardized when her father commands her to marry an aged lord of Frostever.

With only a few short months left before her wedding, Cordelia’s salvation hinges on creating a Sephra’s Tear—a forbidden amulet that causes overwhelming lust in its victim. A black market buyer promises a life-changing amount of coin as payment for the Tear, but being caught creating it carries a death sentence.

Two wizards are needed to produce the passion to fuel the erotic spell, so Cordelia recruits the aid of peasant wizard Nathaniel Ravenwood. Nathaniel has long denied his desire for the beautiful Cordelia. As a noblewoman and a Dorchada she is as dangerous to Nathaniel as a viper, but the fortune she offers is a temptation he can't refuse.

Dealing in dark magic comes with a price, and Cordelia and Nathaniel risk losing their freedom—and their hearts. Their fates depend on the one spell that will free them, or destroy them.


                                                      Amazon   Barnes and Noble    Kobo
                                                     Scribd    iTunes    All Romance eBooks
                                          Grab it at Smashwords for $1.99 Use Coupon Code: ME32Q


Excerpt:

Nathaniel’s study was located in the lower levels of the stronghold, carved out of the stone the city was built upon, where the wizards of limited financial means lived and trained. The décor changed with each floor she descended, the layers of artistry and comfort stripped away until the walls and floor were bare gray stone. Like everything in White Harbor, the lines dividing the wealthy and the poor were clear. Cordelia enjoyed the tangible privileges of noble birth, but she knew she wouldn’t have them for much longer. She’d gladly give up silk and perfume for the freedom that wool and sweat would bring her.

When she arrived at Nathaniel’s door she paused and inhaled a deep breath. Cordelia had committed many small larcenies, and a Sephra’s Tear would be the boldest sin she had ever attempted. Cordelia’s hand trembled as she raised it, and she knocked and opened the door when she heard him bid her enter.
Seated at the aged desk dominating the room, Nathaniel glanced up from the book he had been reading. Surprise flickered across his face for a moment before he rose.

“Lady Dorchada. I won’t have your money until the first of next month.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Then to what do I owe this honor?” Though the question was phrased respectfully, his tone was suspicious. She couldn’t blame him - a Dorchada at one’s door was never a harbinger of good news.

Cordelia stepped into the tiny room and let the door shut behind her. He had a desk, a small alchemy table and a stove for heat. There was one other chair, but it was occupied by a tall stack of books. She glanced at it and gave Nathaniel a pointed look. Rounding his desk, he cleared the books away and waved his guest to take a seat.

“Thank you.” The stiff chair was uncomfortable, but Cordelia sat in it primly. “I apologize for the interruption. I will try not to keep you long. I have a new business proposition.”

“You have my attention.” Nathaniel returned to his seat and watched her with a neutral expression. She hesitated as the well-rehearsed speech vanished from her thoughts. Cordelia cleared her throat and tried to phrase her request as politely as possible.

“I need assistance with casting a somewhat difficult spell, and I hope that you may be able to aid me.”
“What sort of spell?” Nathaniel tended to be brusque, and his straightforwardness added to the anxiety tying her stomach into knots.

“One that would require discretion, should you choose to be involved.”

Nathaniel sat back and folded his hands in his lap. “All of our dealings require discretion, my lady. Thus far I’ve been impressed by your caution.”

Cordelia nodded. “Thank you. It is a Sephra’s Tear. A potent Tear.”

The wizard’s dark eyebrows rose to nearly his hairline. He raised his folded hands, covering his mouth to hide his expression. She admired his composure in response to such an unusual request—he probably didn’t often have women arriving unannounced at his door to ask that he make love to them until they both collapsed. Then again, he just might, considering how attractive he was. Nathaniel was older than Cordelia, but not by much. Unbound, his long black hair fell past his shoulders. As with most wizards Nathaniel’s hands were slender, hinting at dexterity instead of strength, and he had high, sharp cheekbones that most of the noble ladies in White Harbor would kill to be graced with. His plain, charcoal robes were well made, but were durable instead of fashionable. Cordelia found his eyes to be his most interesting feature; pale, crystalline blue, Nathaniel’s eyes were mesmerizing, though they were usually filled with suspicion when looking at her.




With the strength that an abuse woman tend to hide from their abusers, Cordelia works on a plan that not only will free her, but her half-sister; Cara as well. We see magic, endurance, and love endure thought out the book. But the dilemma becomes a crutch when she must struggle with the decision to use dark magic in order to escape. A decision that will have consequences for those around her too. 

The book was tastefully done when it came to the sex scenes without being overworked & raunchy.  There are some twist of suspense that will keep your interest peaked. I won't give too many details away so that I don't spoil the book for you. I have to admit that between the the magic, romance and titillating turns for me wonder if there will be a second book in this series.  I can think of a couple ways that the story line can go and hope to see more in the future. Overall I think the book is worthy of a 4 star status.


***Note*** I received this ARC from BBT for the exchange of my honest opinion of the book.  Please remember that these are my own thoughts on this series of books.

Now of course there are other stops on the tour that could include interviews, several guest blog stops and more reviews.  Be sure to check them out!





July 6 Interview
ARe Café

July 6 Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!    

July 7 Review 
Dowie’s Place

July 8 Interview
Daniela Ark

July 8 Review
The Bibliophile Chronicles 

July 9 Guest blog
Marsha A. Moore

July 10 Spotlight
Roxanne’s Realm

July 13 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books

July 14 Interview
Sophia Tallon

July 14 Spotlight
T's Stuff  

July 15 Guest blog
Butterfly-o-Meter Books

July 16 Spotlight
Fang-tastic Books

July 17 Guest blog
Books N Pearls 

July 20 Spotlight
Dark Side of Romance

July 21 Spotlight 
Share My Destiny

July 21 Spotlight
Marianne Willis Author

June 22 Guest blog
Highlighted Author  

July 23 Interview
Shut Up and Read 

July 24 Guest blog
Sapphyria's Book Reviews

July 24 Spotlight
Jodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blog

July 24 Spotlight
Shyla Wolff

July 27 Review
Ramblings of a Quilter

July 28 Spotlight
Houston Havens  

July 29 Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt

July 29 Review
Diaries of 2 Thick Chicks

July 30 Review
Books and Authors

July 29 Spotlight
Lisa Medley

July 31 Spotlight
CBY Book Club

August 3 Spotlight
Susan Heim on Writing

August 3 Review
Literary Musings

August 3 Review
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
 
 
 


Robyn Bachar enjoys writing stories with soul mates, swords, spaceships, vampires and gratuitous violence against the kitchen sink. Her books have final-ed twice in the PRISM Contest for Published Authors, twice in the Passionate Plume Contest, and twice in the EPIC eBook Awards. As a gamer, Robyn has spent many hours rolling dice, playing rock-paper-scissors, and slaying creatures in mmorpgs.

You can find Robyn online at www.robynbachar.com and on Twitter at @RobynBachar.

           Website    Newsletter    Twitter     Blog   Facebook    Google+    Goodreads    LibraryThing
                                                                         Shelfari   Amazon



This time around we have a $25 Gift Card to Amazon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well time to give this a wrap. Until next time...

Toodles,
Tricia  

Saturday, July 18, 2015

OMG !! A Quilt Posting

The heat and humid is awful right now. And will continue to be all weekend.  But never fear!! I actually have something quilty for this posting.

Yesterday was an interesting day.  I got a call from Ms. D about going to the Remus Quilt Show hosted by the Remus Quilt Guild and that she would be here in 20 minutes.  So that was just time to get me and Curtis dressed and ready to fly out the door once she pulled in. Remus is about 12 miles from the house so it was a quick drive.  

After being informed that we was on a schedule, I tried my best to get pictures of the quilts quickly and still have time for the second hand table. There was a couple vendors but as time was short I really didn't get to look at them.  I even had some money with me.  Oh well.

So here  are some of the pictures I took.  This one really appealed to the nature lover in me.

 

As me and Curtis walked through the quilts I told him to find the one he liked best.  This blue & white cabin was his pick. 
I'll have a much better picture of this quilt; once I unload all of the photos off the camera, along with the marker information.
 

We managed a quick look at the second hand table and we found a couple of items to purchase.  We even got lucky and found a "Learning" panel of simple squares and some blue fabric for the back.  After a few minutes of discussion, we decided that he wanted to do his own couch quilt.  We will be doing a simple straight stitch by hand.  

This endeavor of his will actually start tomorrow since I had to go to the storage unit for batting pieces to join up for the middle.  And he had a car wash fundraising event for scout's today.

You might have remembered that I mentioned that he went to Camp Rotary for his week of Boy Scout Camping.  It appears he had lots of fun, learned new skills and exerted plenty of energy as proof is in the pudding so to speak with these before and after photos.

   


I don't think he made it 15 minutes from the time he hit the door to the time he hit the bed. LOL.  It was a while before he came up for air.

Last night I ended up doing a mental rendition of walking the floors. Come 10 o'clock I sat down with a show box of pieces that needed to become sections.  Well here is my before and after pictures. 











After having to re-pin/re-stitch over of my half bits in the first photo and minus an hour that I was in FB talking to a friend. I put the last row on at 5a.m. This is the TQPM Button Up pattern from their virtual retreat that got put a side again.  

Well now that I have the rest of the fabrics pulled out, I can work on making & attaching the border on tonight. This top is quickly becoming a finished UFO by my standards. Yeah!!

The other thing I did was move the quilt that is in the floor hoop and drew my stitch lines on.  One more large move and then it's on to the smaller areas with a hand hoop.  

So there you have it.  An actual quilting post.  Until next time...

Toodles,
Tricia

Monday, July 13, 2015

Angels - Good & Bad?

Is there more than one type of Angels?

I wanted to check out this ARC from BBT because I'm use to the references of Angels being all well ... angelic. The ones that have wings, halo and gentle kind beings.  I know there are some books and movies that does give a look in to the darker side of Angels.

No Rest for the Wicked Banner 851 x 315
No Rest for the Wicked

Author: Dane Cobain
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Publisher: Booktrope/Forsaken
Cover Artist: Ashley Ruggirello

no rest for the wicked

Book Description:
When the Angels attack, there’s NO REST FOR THE WICKED.

Father Montgomery, an elderly priest with a secret past, begins to investigate after his parishioners come under attack, and with the help of Jones, a young businessman with an estranged child, Montgomery begins to track down the origin of the Angels.

The Angels are naked and androgynous. They speak in a dreadful harmony with no clear leader. These aren’t biblical cherubs tasked with the protection of the righteous – these are deadly creatures of light that have the power to completely eradicate.

When Jones himself is attacked, Father Montgomery knows he has to act fast. He speaks to the Angels and organizes a final showdown where he’s asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Available at Amazon



This story was so different from what I had expected.  It had me hesitating, even cautious.  I'm not particularly a person of traditional religions, but I thought it was kind of refreshing that the Angels wasn't very nice as I know most people would define them.

That they considered themselves judge, jury and executioner. What them seem to me is that they are sin eaters. It's so chilling. I don't know why exactly but they made the hair on my arms to stand straight up. It is dark, grisly and had me on edge the whole time.  With each page I turned, my breath would catch in anticipation.  Eerie in fact. It made me feel like the very air was crackling as these Angels came to a person demanding to know all their sins.

Mr. Cobain has dangerously thrilled me with the story of these angles reminding me that there is evil in the world; as well as good and he managed to bring a bright & burning light to it.

I would like to know more about the back story between Father Montgomery and Jones as it added to the spice of the story as well as the characters that was being judged.  What was it that brought these person to light on the Angels radar?  I did find it interesting that Father Montgomery choose to give the ultimate sacrifice.

I would like to see what else Me. Cobain plans to do with his dark side. That would be a book worthy of reading.  I have to thank BBT for introducing me Mr Cobain and in light on my honest opinion that I'm giving for the exchange this ARC I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. And I have to acknowledge that it sent shivers down my back again as I typed up this reviews.



dane

About the Author:

Dane Cobain is a writer and poet from a place you’ve probably never heard of, somewhere in England. His debut novella, a supernatural thriller called ‘No Rest for the Wicked’, will be released by Forsaken in the summer of 2015. When he’s not writing books, he’s reading and reviewing them on his book blog, SocialBookshelves.com – Charles Bukowski, Graham Greene and Phillip Pullman are favourites.


Find him at www.facebook.com/danecobainmusic or follow @DaneCobain on Twitter.
http://www.danecobain.com
http://www.facebook.com/danecobainmusic
http://www.twitter.com/danecobain
http://www.youtube.com/danecobain

- See more at: http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/#sthash.cmfHwYaY.dpuf




July 6 Guest blog
Clarissa Johal, Author
July 6 Interview
BooksChatter 
July 7 Spotlight
CBY Book Club
July 8 Spotlight
Rose's Brain
July 8 Spotlight
Susan’s Books I Like
July 9 Spotlight
Around the World in Books  
July 10 Guest Post 
Mythical Books
July 13 Spotlight (review later)
Blog for readers, writers and blogger by Daniela Ark
July 13 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
July 14 Spotlight
Reily Garrett
July 15 Spotlight
Shyla Wolff
July 15 Review 
Ramblings of a Quilter
July 16 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
July 17 Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!
July 17 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
July 20 Interview
Eclipse Reviews
July 20 Spotlight
Sophia Tallon

So what is the give-a-way this time?  How about gift cards for Amazon for:

one $15 gift card

one $10 gift card

one $5 gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well time to give this a wrap. Until next time...

Toodles,
Tricia

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Surrnder? One Might Not Want To

Cue the Garrison Keller-style radio announcer ...

"This posting is brought to you by Bewitching Book Tour.  Where you are sure to find the paranormal story just right for you. That's BBT ... get some today."

Surrender to the Chase Under Realm Assassins Book 2




Written by: Amanda J.Greene
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication: 5/26/15
ASIN: B00Y9JE3DS
Number of pages: 117
Word Count: 33,500
Cover Artist: Kim Killion

Book Description:

A year after the tragic death of his close friend and fellow assassin, Ethan Halstead is ready to take up his sniper rifle once more. But his first assignment is nothing he ever expected. Ethan must hunt and retrieve a beautiful, spirited, alluring werewolf.

Knowing no other way to escape an arranged marriage, Fraya flees from her pack. As she contemplates slipping across the border and heading to South America, she is captured by a dangerously seductive vampire who plans on escorting her back to her family. Even as Fraya vows to make Ethan's mission as difficult as possible, she can't resist the riotous desire he sparks within her.

But Ethan isn't the only predator that peruses Fraya. A powerful rival pack's alpha wants to make her his mate. Will Ethan be able to keep Fraya safe and return her to her pack? Or will he surrender to temptation and claim Fraya as his own?


Excerpt:

Lightning splintered the sky. Thunder shook the earth beneath his feet. Damp heat thickened the air. Any moment, the winds would kick up and the red hued clouds would release a torrent of rain.

Ethan loved summer storms and treasured Arizona for its monsoon season. It was only during the madness of the storm that he found peace. In those rare, precious moments, the world reflected the chaos that roiled inside him and he felt… as if he belonged.

Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath and savored the soothing scent of the desert. To his disappointment, he would not be able to appreciate the beauty of nature’s fury. Clearing his mind, Ethan unleashed his senses. His mark was close. He could feel her. Crossing the street, he headed for the quaint coffee shop he frequently sped past. She was here, which meant he could call an end to this pointless job.

Ethan was an assassin, not a damn babysitter. He was an expert tracker and sniper, yet the Under Realm Syndicate had him chasing after a spoiled little she-wolf. He had been tasked with fetching the runaway and returning her to her pack – a complete waste of his time and talents. He couldn’t believe he had let Cole talk him into this. The fact was this case should’ve never made the list. Why the Syndicate decided to get involved was beyond his understanding. This wasn’t a kidnapping or a hostage situation. The female wasn’t a criminal. She wasn’t a threat to the human world or Under Realm society.

His annoyed growl blended with the booming thunder. Cole had insisted Ethan accept this assignment, “You should be grateful the Syndicate is willing to give you a second chance. You’ve been out of practice.”

Who could argue with that logic? Ethan had been off the map for a year. Most within the Syndicate believed he had been killed on his last mission.

I should have been. Shaking his head, he dispelled the thought. He refused to take sober trips down memory lane. He needed to focus on his task.

The aroma of freshly ground coffee was overwhelming. Ethan reigned in his supernatural senses as he stepped inside the shop. The door closed and the torrential rain began to fall. He did a quick, nonchalant sweep of the café, careful not to meet anyone’s gaze. Eye contact encouraged conversation, and he was here on business not pleasure. He would grab the werewolf, take her back home, and detain her until he could make arrangements with her father. Simple.

Ethan walked to the counter. After the blonde and brunette baristas finished arguing over who would help him, he ordered and received a black coffee. The cup had both girl’s names and numbers written on it. He thanked them with a smile. They batted their lashes and insisted he stop by a college party later that night.

Ethan’s shoulders shook with a light laugh. Naïve mortals.

Turning, he headed up the winding iron staircase that led to the second floor loft area. The walls were made almost entirely of glass, providing a glorious view of the storm. Students sat at the tables working on their laptops while groups lounged on the sofas discussing the world of social media.

The delicate scent of wildflowers drifted through the air, drawing his sharp gaze to the far corner. There was nothing remarkable about her presence. She appeared to fit in perfectly with the scene, as if she were just another co-ed. She wore a pair of skinny jeans and a crimson sweatshirt. She sat with her feet tucked under her crisscrossed. Leaning over the table, her long dark brown hair tumbled forward, blocking his view of her face. Ethan noted the worn, tattered condition of the book she read. Her frame was small. She seemed fragile, but he knew better. She was strong, fast, and intelligent. His mark appeared to be ‘normal’ by human standards, but she was the wolf he was looking for.

Hoping everything would go smoothly, he advanced. This was a delicate situation. The female could freak out on him. She could cause a scene, and he loathed drama just as much as he loathed this particular job. It was not a search and rescue mission. No, it was a track-down-a-spoiled-brat-and-take-her-home mission. A simpleton could do it. Why it had to be done was beyond him. At twenty-four, she was an adult. She had a degree in biology and was a werewolf; she was more than capable of taking care of herself.

Who cares? Grab the girl and go.

Ethan quickly reminded himself of the two basic rules: never become personally involved with your mark and strike first, ask questions later – if you cared about asking question at all.

As he approached the woman, he felt a slight tremor in the air. A warning? A threat? Someone was watching them. He set his senses loose once more, scanning the café for the source of the violent energy, but it had vanished just as quickly as it had arrived.

The girl must have felt the glimmer of danger. Her gaze snapped up and met his. Her warm, honey colored eyes were round with surprise. Her tempting red lips parted with a silent gasp. Ethan froze. She was… more than beautiful.

She blinked up at him. Her gaze innocently seductive, her mouth violently tempting, and her wild flower scent was overwhelming. His body reacted instantly. It had been years since he’d felt such a strong, instant attraction. He watched her lick her lips; lust shot through him like a lightning strike. Oh, yes. The wolf was alluring and, to his surprise, he was disappointed that she was his mark.

“Hi,” she said with a nervous lilt to her voice. Ethan mentally shook himself and crossed over to stand at the chair opposite her.

“Hi,” he replied.

Thunder rumbled; the force shook the glass walls. The girl flinched and her gaze fell from his. For a soundless moment, she sat with her hands clasped in her lap, her head tilted down. The mortals gasped and laughed as another boom shook the windows.

“You may sit,” she said, her voice low, barely audible.

Ethan could smell the fear that sparked within her. Was she frightened of the storm, or what possibly lurked outside? An overwhelming sense of protectiveness settled over him and he frowned. He didn’t like it. He wasn’t the protective type.He was a killer not a savior.

Focus and get this over with.

“Not a fan of thunderstorms?” he asked as he claimed the chair.

She straightened and fixed her gaze on him once more. Her expression was bland, her cute stubborn chin titled up, her shoulders back. She looked regal and refined. Every bit the aristocrat she was.

“I’m accustomed to snow storms.”

“Really? Where are you from?”

“Minnesota,” she answered with a hint of hesitation.

He smiled and was shocked he didn’t have to fake it. “You’re a long way from home.”

She shrugged and returned her attention to her book.

Ethan took a sip of the surprisingly good coffee and relaxed in his seat. He picked up a golf magazine, which rested on the table beside them, and began flipping through the pages. He wasn’t at all interested in golf. Being a vampire, he preferred keeping out of the sun. Although, contrary to popular lore, he wouldn’t burst into flame or turn to ash. He could work on his tan, he just preferred not to.

He casually glanced over at the werewolf and inwardly groaned. She was reading a list of the top ten hot spots in Chile. It appeared she was interested in sunbathing and he couldn’t stop the image of her in a bikini from cropping up in his mind even if he’d wanted to. And he certainly did not want to erase the image.

She sighed, closed the book, and tucked it away in her backpack, which hung off the back of her chair. She took up her latte and settled her gaze on him. Her lips turned up with a sweet smile.

“You don’t strike me as the golfing type.”

He raised a brow and tossed the magazine down on the table between them. “No?”

She shook her head, her long dark curls waving around her shoulders. “Not at all. You look like you’d rather go to a shooting range than work on your golf swing.”

Ethan couldn’t argue with that. He’d had his basement converted into an indoor gun range.

“Very observant,” he said. “What about you? What’s your hobby?”

She bit her bottom lip as she contemplated. Ethan wanted to bite it for her. “Traveling. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. You know, see the world, and experience different cultures.”

“Is that what your trip to Arizona is all about?” he asked.

“More or less,” she answered with a shrug.

“Well, South America is beautiful.” Her eyes grew wide. She leaned forward, placing her hands on the table. Excitement laced her voice, “You’ve been?”

Ethan shifted closer and reached for her hand. The air trembled with another flicker of danger just before the lights went out. Darkness flooded the café.

His mark shoved away from the table, snatched her backpack, and darted toward the stairs. Ethan was right behind her. The mortals grumbled complaints, some laughed, while others stumbled through the dark. She was about to reach the exit when the door flew open, crashing against the wall. Humans screamed and shouted in alarm. The girl froze, and Ethan cursed. Clearly, he hadn’t been the only one searching for her. He could sense the alpha’s presence and, judging by his target’s reaction, so could she.

Ethan grabbed her wrist. She swung around. Her fist raised, her honey colored eyes glowed, and her fangs bared. Shadows of a wolf’s fierce visage flickered over the fine features of her face. Her fierce growl vibrated her entire body. Ethan ignored the warning and tugged on her arm, pulling her toward the emergency exit at the back of the coffee shop.

He pushed the door open. His mark tried to twist free of his hold, but he held her firm.

“Let go of me,” she demanded, her voice roughened by her partial transformation.

“Not a chance, sweetheart.” She growled and fought harder.

He wasn’t surprised by her strength and knew she was still holding back.So was he. Pushing her now soaked and tangled hair from her face, she snarled, “What’s going on?”

“I thought it was obvious,” he said.

“That you’re attempting to kidnap me?”

Ethan shook his head. “No. That you have an alpha hunting your ass.”

Her stare was one of confusion, awe, and horror. She stopped, and he paused. Literally dragging her across the street would draw unwanted attention. He reluctantly released her wrist. She was soft and warm while he was hard and cold. A frown creased his brow when the sharp sense of loss pricked his long dead heart. On some level, he’d enjoyed the feel of her.

She blinked up at him. Her large, honey eyes sparkled with fear. “W-what did you say?”

His chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh. “I’ll explain. For now, come with me.”

She shook her head.

Ethan glanced over his shoulder, scanning the parking lot for any sign of the alpha. He could sense the wolf was close.

“We don’t have much time. We need to go.” The woman fell back a step and Ethan’s body tensed. His instincts flared. She retreated another step. Would she run? A part of him wished she would. He loved the chase. The hunt. His heart began to pound, his pupils dilated, and his fangs began to sharpen, all in anticipation.

“Don’t!"




This is the second book in the Under Realm Assassins series. Having said that, I thought the book did well as a stand-a-lone book. The pace was a fast track, but that was okay with it's strong characters without a lot of fluff to cloud things up. I like that it has a straight forward plot line with some intrigue and suspense.

Even though there is a werewolf and vampire; it didn't feel like it was a cookie cutter story that has been done over and over. There was a few risque scenes between the vampire: Ethan and the female lead & werewolf, Fraya as they try to deal with Fraya's father and an alpha werewolf that stalks Fraya.

It would probably have a PG-15 rating for those who might not give it to a young adult reader. There is a bit of violence in the fight scene but not too graphic.  Both the sex and fight scene don't cause a huge blimp on the map as in comparison to some other books & TV that I have across for young adults.

I really liked the book and I am going to give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

The sneak peek that I got from the provided ARC has me (in exchange for my humble but honest opinion) looking to see if my library has this series.  If not, I'm going to request that they would consider purchasing it so I can share with other paranormal readers in my area.




It is time to show you the other stops on the tour where you can find interviews, guest blogs and so much more.  So be sure to stop by and say "Hello".


July 6 Spotlight
I Love Books

July 6 Spotlight
Indy Book Fairy

July 6 Review
Books and Authors

July 7 Guest blog
Urban Fantasy Investigations

July 7 Spotlight
Vampires, Werewolves, & Fairies, Oh My 

July 7 Spotlight
Jodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blog

July 8 Spotlight
The Bookish and The Romantic

July 8 Review
I Smell Sheep 

July 8 Spotlight
Share My Destiny

July 9 Guest blog
Butterfly-o-Meter Books

July 9 Spotlight
Susan’s Books I Like

July 10 Interview
Sophia Tallon

July 10 Review
Tipsy Ink

July 13 Review
Ramblings of a Quilter  (This is Me)

July 13 Review
Books Books and More Books 

July 13 Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!


Amanda J. Greene is a paranormal romance author. When she is not writing, she can be found playing the role of a university student who also works full time. She lives in Southern California with her very supportive husband and their two dogs. Doing all the above and being a military wife is not easy, but rewarding! Of course, she accomplishes everything with a strong cup of coffee in her hand.

Amanda is also an associate reviewer on The Book Nympho blog.







Of course there is another give-a-way along with this book tour. And such a great prize indeed!! Yes this time around we have:

2 e-book copies of the Under Realm Assassin series



So that wraps up another edition for my BBT postings this week.  Until next time...

Toodles,
Tricia