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Girls*Heart* Books: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Girls Heart Books Blog Tours: Intangible & Imaginable by J. Meyers- Character Bio


Intangible
Intangible Series #1
By J. Meyers
Publication Date: January 31st, 2012

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret--she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they've helped those in need on the sly. They've always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they've always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke's ability? He's always right. And he can't do anything about it.
Amazon- Paperback | Kindle
Imaginable
Intangible Series #2
By J. Meyers
Publication Date: April 16th, 2013

Twins Sera and Luke Raine's unusual abilities are growning. Sera is healing vampires now, making them human again. And, at times, Luke can actually change the future he Sees.

But Sera's healing has dangerous consequences, and though Luke is altering the outcome of more vision, he can't control them yet.

Now Sera is in danger as the dark creatures of the Realm seek to use her. As Luke struggles to master his gift in order to save his sister, he discovers even more about his powers.

And what he learns just may put him in greater danger than Sera has ever been.

Today, we have Jonas's character bio!

An incredibly strong vampire, Jonas was only 19 when he was turned by Lilith, the Mother of All Vampires. A former slave, he delivered his own brand of justice once he was no longer in a position of powerlessness--killing many slave traders to avenge his sister’s death and his own unjust position in life. Though he can be ruthless with his own vampires and the less savory of humans, he protects innocents. He cannot stand for the harming of an innocent, and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Jonas looks 19 but his onyx eyes reflect the wisdom of his long vampire-life. He’s 6 feet tall, has velvet dark skin, close cropped black hair, and a goatee that frames his sensuous mouth. He is strong and very well-built, due to all those years working the fields. He has a deep, warm voice and is intelligent, with a wicked sense of humor that shows itself only once in a while.



j. meyers grew up in Vermont, spent three years in Germany when she was a kid, and now lives in Central New York. When she's not reading or writing, she's chasing after her four kids, exploring the outdoors with her family, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. She's the author of Intangible, Intuition, Indomitable, and upcoming Imaginable, due out in April 2013.



*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Boston Marathon Book Charity Giveaway


We are helping to spread the word about  this amazing book giveaway that was created to aid the victims and families of the 2013 Boston Marathon Attack. Many best-selling authors have donated books  in response to this cause. The books are grouped into bundle packs and a winner will be selected randomly through Rafflecopter for each bundle. Visit  the book giveaway site for more details and how to enter.

If you do not want to enter to win a bundle, please feel free to make a donation using
this link. It will take you directly to the organization donation site.
The auction will run from April 21-April 30th.

In the Name of Love

SIGNED copies of:
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Easy by Tammara Webber
Fallen Too Far & Never Too Far by Abbi Glines
FATE by Elizabeth Reyes
CRUSH by Nicole Williams
Disastrous by EL Montes

Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

SIGNED copies of:
Slammed & Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
What a Boy Wants, What a Boy Needs and Measuring Up by Nyrae Dawn
Sleep My Child by Eyvonna Rains
ebooks: Shark Bait & The Other Fish in the Sea by Jenn Cooksey

Just the Way You Are
SIGNED copies of:
Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase
Inhale Exhale by Sarah Ross
Destined to Change by Lisa Harley
Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley
Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

I Walk the Line
SIGNED copies of:
The Thoughtless Series by SC Stephens
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Until I Break by M. Leighton-ARC
Collide by Gail McHugh

Stand By Me

SIGNED copies of:
Love Unscripted & Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber
Collide by Gail McHugh
Love Em’ or Leave Em’ by Angie Stanton
On The Island byTracey Garvis-Graves

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

SIGNED Copies of:
Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Naked, All In by Raine Miller
Collide by Gail McHugh
Signed Wreck Me, ebook Restore Me by JL Mac

Superstition

SIGNED copies of:
Awaken and Avenged by Sarah Ross
Darkride and Crossfire by Laura Bradley Rede

Whole Lotta Love

SIGNED copies of:
Fall Guy & Perfectly Unmatched by Liz Reinhardt
Lengths & Depths by Steph Campbell
Charade & Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn
Destined to Change by Lisa Harley
A Prior Engagement by SL Scott

Maybe I'm Amazed

SIGNED copies of:
A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
Inescapable, Intuition, Indebted and Incendiary by Amy Bartol

Ain't Too Proud to Beg
SIGNED copies of:
The Proposition and The Proposal by Katie Ashley
Chocolate Lovers Series by Tara Sivec
His Perfect Passion and The Undoing of a Libertine by Raine Miller



Sponsors


All the amazing authors who donated their books




*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Sizzling PR: Unraveled by S.X. Bradley: Review & Interview



Unraveled
By: S.X. Bradley
Published: February 8th, 2013 by Evernight Teen

Sixteen year old math whiz, Autumn, spends her days reading about serial killers and dreaming of becoming an FBI Profiler. She never dreams her first case will be so personal. Her world is shattered when she comes home from school and discovers her murdered sister's body on the living room floor. When the initial evidence points to a burglary gone wrong, Autumn challenges the police's theory because of the personal nature of the crime. Thinking that finding the killer will bring her family back together, she conducts her own investigation using her affinity for math and forensics, but her plan backfires and her obsession with the case further splinters her family.

When her investigation reveals the killer is someone she knows, Autumn offers herself up as bait and sets a dangerous trap to unmask his true nature and to obtain a confession for her sister's murder.

Unraveled is the first in a series by S.X. Bradley. The story is told in the first person from our protagonist, Autumn, who is the prime suspect in the murder of her older sister, track star Celeste. Autumn has always dreamed of being an FBI Profiler, so when the police are going way off base, she decides to take matters into her own hands-- In a way that will leave readers on the edge of their seat in a full blown panic attack.

We had a little stumble in this tour and it fell off our calendar (so sorry to Sizzling PR and S.X. Bradley x_x), so I had thought I'd have to go lock myself in my room and read it all in a day so we could still get our review in. But that was no problem. The book is fast paced and keeps your attention from chapter one all the way to the end. I can honestly tell you all, no fluff, no filter... this book is frickin' AWESOME!!!

My favorite books are actually about humans, and I adore murder mysteries, so this is my exact cup of tea-- horrible, terrible misery, perfect detail, heart-stopping suspense, fantastic twists, and it's not overloaded with distracting romance (praise the lord). One of my new favorites!

My Rating:
Buy Unraveled:


And now, Mel's interview with S.X. Bradley!

*Can you tell us a little about yourself?


I grew up in South Texas, about ten miles from the U.S.-Mexican border. As a child I spent the summers in Mexico with my grandparents and extended family. During these vacations, I frequently created mysteries for my siblings and cousins to solve. These mysteries were my first stories. Nancy Drew soon became my childhood hero and inspiration to write mysteries for young adults. When I'm not writing or studying, you can find me looking after my personal mini-zoo which consists of two fish, one thief of a dog, and hermit crabs.
I love estates sales, traveling, spending the time with my daughter, and discovering new books.

*When did you know you wanted to be an author? 
I was about 8 or 9 and really into Nancy Drew. I was totally lost in the mysteries and knew that’s what I wanted to do.

*Do you like to listen to music while you write, or do you prefer the quiet?
I make a playlist for my novels. I pick a particular song when writing a type of scene. It becomes a sound track for that scene.

*It seems like authors break down into two groups, plotters (authors who outline and are extremely detail oriented) and pantsers (authors who are more ‘go with the flow’ and kind of fly by the seat of their pants)-which group do you fit into? 
I’m a pantser. I have a beginning and end in mind, but really let the characters write the middle and take me to place I would have never imagined. I do start to plot close to the end to make sure I get there in the way that I want.

*What authors have influenced you & your writing? 
Edgar Allan Poe, Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Gayle Forman, Jeffrey Deaver, and Karin Slaughter. Each one is a master at writing in their genre and do it by creating unforgettable characters and weaving great plots.
*What was your favorite book as a child? I loved Louisa May Alcott’s, Little Women. I thought Jo was the coolest girl on earth. She was strong, a free spirit, and liked to write. I wanted to be just like her.

*If you could spend one day with any literary character, who would you choose and what would you do together? 
I’d pick Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles characters. I’d want to go with them on their investigations, and then hang out with them. They are fun, smart, courageous female characters and I really like their friendship.

*Lana and I both have an unending love for really good cheesecake; is there a dessert you can’t say no to? 
Chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I’m a chocoholic.

*Can you tell us what’s next for you? 
I’m working on the sequel to Unraveled. It’s actually my MFA thesis and I’m almost done with the first draft.




Susan grew up in South Texas, about ten miles from the U.S.-Mexican border. As a child she spent the summers in Mexico with her grandparents and extended family. During these vacations, she frequently created mysteries for her siblings and cousins to solve. These mysteries were her first stories. Nancy Drew soon became her childhood hero and inspiration to write mysteries for young adults.

Her greatest joy is her daughter who is quite the storyteller and likes to come up with the characters’ names for mom’s stories.

When she’s not writing or studying, you can find her looking after her personal mini-zoo which consists of two fish, one thief of a dog, and some hermit crabs.

Susan loves estates sales, traveling, spending time with her family, and discovering new books at the Columbus Metropolitan library.

Susan graduated from the University of Texas, is currently pursuing an MFA from Seton Hill University, and dreams of one day owning a touch screen murder board like the one on her favorite TV show, Castle.



*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Friday, April 26, 2013

A Little Bit of R&R Blog Tours: The Lightrider Journals by Eric Nierstedt


The Lightrider Journals
By: Eric Nierstedt
Published: November 8th, 2012 by iUniverse

Joseph Hashimoto is happy with his ordinary life. A man who believes in fairness and just action, Joe's greatest love is his family. But as he moves about his days, he is completely unaware that his actions are carefully observed. With one momentous decision, Joe's ordinary life is about to turn into an extraordinary existence.

While attempting to save a little girl from danger, Joe is killed in a violent explosion. Instead of dying, however, his soul is brought before the elemental Architects of the Universe, who tell him he has been chosen for sacred duty. Reborn as a Lightrider, the earthly representative of Light, Joe is given a leadership of the Elemental Knights, a group of half-man, half-animal beings. Charged with maintaining a delicate balance between good and evil, Joe must police both sides and destroy anyone who threatens to ruin it. As Joe struggles with his conflicting emotions and longing for home, he must face his greatest threat--the ancient Chaos Demons.

In this fantasy tale, a man inadvertently thrust into a world of cosmic forces must come to terms with change and accept what needs to be done for the good of all.
Buy The Lightrider Journals:


And now, because we love you guys, here's a giveaway!


Eric Nierstedt grew up in Garwood NJ, and spent most of his life absorbing the epic tales of fantasy from Terry Brooks, Stephen King, and even the tales of comic books and video games. His writing began soon after, as he honed it through writing for the local paper, and maintaing his own blog (www.thepopculturemark.wordpress.com/). When he graduated from Kean University, his began his first novel, while also being selected for the NJ Wordsmith Competiton. Eric wanted to tell a story of a group of characters, anchored by one central narrator, that battled forces of destruction. And he also wanted to use his own thoughts on the nature of good and evil- how the two are defined by each other,

"When I started the Lightrider Journals, the big fantasy novels of the day were Twilight and Harry Potter.  I wanted to avoid being another copy of those at all costs.  So I combined all my major influences- Terry Brooks, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Stephen King's The Dark Tower.  As I wrote, I wanted to explore a concept that wasn't discussed much in any popular fantasy- the idea of showing good and evil as forces both responsible for and essential to life as we know it. I also wanted to show a more natural form of magic, and show fantasy existing in the real world, which would turn out much bigger then people think.  And finally, I wanted to tell a story about what I was feeling stepping out in the world for the first time- how a man can adapt to a sudden and tremendous responsibility- not just his successes, but his losses as well, and how he learns to live with them.  And of course, throw in liberal amounts of magic, characters that would resonate with people, and a sprinkling of humor.  I think anyone who reads it will be able to have a good time with all the characters and action, but also see a different version of the neverending battle of good and evil.  And most of all, I hope they leave the book with a better idea of how they can face that which seems insurmountable."


You can find Eric:

*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Girls Heart Books Blog Tours: Daughters of the Sea Trilogy by Kristen Day: Review & Giveaway



Chosen
Daughters of the Sea Series #3
By: Kristen Day
Published: January 29th, 2013

The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up. Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one.

After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn and Stasia's life. In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war. As she struggles to both save Finn's soul and free Carmen's mind, Stasia bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point. A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul's unyielding will to survive. In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia's future hangs in the balance. The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very last thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.

Before I begin my review I want to say Ms. Day is equal parts EVIL and ANGELIC.

You may wonder why I say this. Well here. She is evil because, well, read this.. I really can't say why she is evil besides the fact she made me cry enough to actually refill the ocean after global warming, BUT she is also angelic because she let the voices in her head convince her to continue this series. And for that I will love her forever.

Although, I will defend her slightly because IF this had been the end (*queue scream sobs at the THOUGHT of an end*), it would've been a beautiful end to a beautiful trilogy.. I'm really not sure how she is going to move along, to be honest.. But I am dying of curiosity, and I will DEFINITELY be moving along with the next book! And all of Kristen's books here on out.

Day creates magic in her writing. The love she has for this profession flows through the page and into the reader, which makes it an honor to even read these books. I am so looking forward to the paperbacks coming out, just so I can give them a face-front-spot on my shelves. I ADORE this series, and this book was absolutely stunning, just like the last two. :) I cannot tell you enough, and I cannot tell you all much...or I'll ruin the whole series... Damn... hehe

My Rating:

And because we love you all, here's a WONDERFUL giveaway! <3


I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I've been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).

I am the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA series, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN, and CHOSEN. I love all books, but really enjoy writing young adult, paranormal romances. I've loved to write for as long as I can remember. My first published work was my poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, I know) that won me 5 gold stars and a spot in my elementary school's poetry book. That's when my addiction to the written word officially began. I was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay.

When I'm not writing I'm making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband.


*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Cover Reveal: The Edge of Darkness- A Dare Novel by Melissa Andrea


The Edge of Darkness
A Dare Novel
By: Melissa Andrea
Expected Publication Date: May 2013

After a tragic accident, Araya Noelle is left with a constant reminded that is forever.

She is forced to give up her chance to be the youngest dancer accepted into Julliard & taking over their high society school by a graceful storm of determination, is no longer an option. Instead of dwelling over her loss, she accepts the new future she's been dealt. In a world as black as hers, there's no room for bitterness, no time for regret. Sheltered from the outside world, Araya has become suffocated by a life she has no control over. Until Ryland Dare comes crashing into her life.

You don't know true darkness until you've felt the light...

Like a firecracker, showering her with colorful sparks of freedom, Ryland quickly sweeps Araya away from her grey existance. For the first time since the accident, living in darkness is no longer something Araya wants to do willingly. Unleashed by the shadows of her reminder, being with Ryland, Araya touches the light. Together they learn what it's like to feel alive for the first time.

At the edge of darkness, a ray of light, will dare them both to HOPE.

DARE them to LOVE

DARE them to LIVE
Add The Edge of Darkness to your To-Read list on Goodreads HERE!



Melissa started reading in high school when she found her mom's romance book collection and has been hooked on books every since. She became a complete book-a-holic, starting her own collection and improving her reading skills. Most of the time she could finish a book walking around the store, while her mom shopped.

She wrote her first short story in high school for a competition in her writing class. It was a child's book called 'Arnold' - it was about an ant who believed he could do anything. Oh by the way, she won!

She has written many stories since then, but this will be her first YA paranormal/fantasy and the first book she will have published.

She lived in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of six years, and her 3 beautiful daughters. They are her biggest fans and they inspire her everyday. She enjoys spending time with her family, weekend dates with her mom & taking vacations. Hawaii anyone??


*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

TTC & B2B Blog Tours: The Other Side of Forever Book Blitz


Other Side of Forever
By Shannon Eckrich
Published: January 23rd, 2012 by Crescent Moon Press

Seventeen-year-old Allie Anderson's telekinetic powers are anything but useful--she can't bring her father back, can't stop her mother's downward spiral into alcohol, and can't keep her from falling in love with Ethan Bradley. Loving Ethan is easy, but it comes with a hefty price: Ethan is prohibited by his people from interacting with mortals--because he isn't mortal himself. When Allie and Ethan's love is discovered, there's someone who will do anything to keep them apart. If Allie can't learn to control her powers and fight to save Ethan, this dark entity will make every attempt to stop her beating heart. And if that happens, not even the energy of an immortal can bring her back.

And now, an excerpt from Other Side of Forever:

          “It’s okay,” I whispered. “We belong together.” I now knew what I was saying was true. Between his pain and my pain, the battle was over. And I could feel the pull, the magnet that had succeeded in bringing us together. “I’m not going to fight you anymore.”

         His deep, dark eyes refused to stray from mine as the strength of his body pushed me back onthe sofa. Our hearts, perfectly aligned, danced in a rhythm I’d never thought possible, like hundreds of butterflies had been released into the air. Our breaths came in short, shallow gasps as he explored my neck with the softness of his lips.

         Ethan brought his hands up, intertwining his fingers into mine. The warmth of our bodies connecting turned into a scorching heat, a burning desire that I didn’t understand.

         He lifted his head, searching for my eyes. Once he found them, he locked on, refusing to blink as he drew me in. In an instant, it reminded me of the night we met. The way he’d seemed to peer into the depth of my soul. Except I wasn’t confused this time. Instead of fighting, instead of pushing him away like I did that night, I surrendered.

You can find Other Side of Forever:





Born and raised in Delaware, Shannon Eckrich lives with her husband, two children, and chocolate lab, Chewy, along with her newest addition, Taylor, a spunky little kitty who loves to terrorize her while she’s writing.

Shannon’s second love is the paranormal. Ghosts, angels, vampires, aliens, immortals, it doesn't matter, she’s obsessed with it all, which is why she’s compelled to write stories in the paranormal genre.





*We receive NO payment of any kind for our reviews-we review books we've bought, or books that are provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*