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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Blog Tour: (Interview + Giveaway) Forbidden Fire By Kimberly Kinrade




I would like to welcome Kimberly Kinrade to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Kimberly Kinrade. Please be sure and check out Kimberly Kinrade's novel Forbidden Fire Book #2 in the Forbidden Series. Check out my interview with Kimberly Kinrade. Oh and before you leave be sure and enter the giveaway!




Forbidden Fire banner






forbidden fire book cover

Book Title: Forbidden Fire

Author: Kimberly Kinrade

Series: The Forbidden Trilogy

Published: March 27th 2012

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Kindle Edition:

Pages: 270








BLURB

Forbidden Fire




"She escaped, but she'll never be free."

"Time held no meaning as my mind darted in and out of memories. Past and present collided to create a full-sensory collage out of my life: playing hide-n-seek with my best friends Luke--who always cheated by walking through walls when he was about to be caught--and Lucy; Mr. Caldrin critiquing my sketches and offering ideas to make them more realistic; targets changing faces, blending into the same person, their thoughts rippling through my mind like waves. Through it all, a demon stalked me from the shadows of my memories, never quite showing its face, but crouching, waiting.

And then I dreamed...."

Sam and Drake may have escaped, but they aren't free—not with a powerful Seeker after them. As Sam struggles with the ethics of her new powers and embraces a blossoming physical relationship with Drake, Lucy and Luke face challenges of their own.

With forces coalescing inside and outside the Rent-A-Kid dorms, it's only a matter of time before the fire they started forces each of them to make choices they can't undo. But will it be enough to save them?




BUY NOW LINK

Forbidden Fire




Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paper Book








EXCERPT

Forbidden Fire




Drake inhaled the cool, salty beach air and sank his toes into the warm sand. The crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean always calmed his mind, but not this time. He dropped his shoes onto the sand and rolled his cargo pants up past his calves, so he could feel the sharp bite of the cold water over his feet.

The sun hovered over the ocean, ushering in another day. Surfers dotted the watery landscape; Drake longed to be one of them, lost in the Zen of the wave, no other care or concern but that one moment of bliss.

His life had changed too much for surfing to bring him any peace. That day so many months ago changed everything. He'd been primed to win the regional Venice Beach Surfing Competition—next stop, Hawaii. Brad had warned him to keep a low profile, but surfing was too important to him, so Drake competed.

And he'd paid.

***?In a perfect moment of synchronicity and connection, the wave broke and wrapped around him in a watery cocoon from which he would emerge reborn. In that state of bliss he didn't notice Max cutting him off, didn't feel the

pull of the current until his board threatened to spill him into the depths of the ocean.?With paranormal strength he steadied himself and kept his feet under him. A look of surprise flashed across

Max's face before he directed his attention to the wave that also threatened to engulf him.?The men rode their boards to shore and were greeted by hundreds of voices cheering their success.?To anyone watching, they had both just scored a serious victory. Even the judges wouldn't be able to tell that

Max had cheated and tried to sabotage Drake.?Words mattered little to him, but Max had just declared war.?Drake shoved Max to the sand using a touch more than normal strength, just enough to sting. "What the hell,

man? Are you so desperate to win, and so afraid of me, that you would cheat?"?Max's eyes turned cold, but he pushed himself up and stared at Drake. "I don't know what you're talking about,

but do that again and I'll make sure you're disqualified from the final round."?A group had formed, drawn into the drama. Drake passed his board to Brad and stormed off toward the

showers to cool down before he blew it for good.?The warm sand squished under his feet, and the hot sun blazed down on his head.?He stripped off his wetsuit and stood under the showers, letting the warm water wash away the sand, salt and

anger. Today could change his life forever; he just needed to keep his cool and ignore Max.?He'd been so absorbed in his rage, he hadn't noticed the buzz of warning under his skin that someone was

watching him.?By the time he felt it, it was too late.?Something stung his shoulder.?He reached around and pulled out a dart. His thoughts swirled around in his head and his recent clarity gave

way to a jumble of incoherent ramblings.

"Dude, are you all right?"

A voice spoke to him, but male or female, he couldn't tell. His vision blurred and he slumped onto the wet cement, the now cold water spraying over him until it ran out of time and stopped.

"Drake, you'll be okay. Come on, boy."

Another voice he didn't recognize. He reached out with his mind to stop whoever was touching him, but nothing happened. His power didn't work. Then he felt it, the compulsion to obey directed at him as someone siphoned his powers from him.

When hands pulled him away from the familiar noises, he tried to fight with his muscle.?"Damn it, he's still too strong. Get him to the van, quick."?"Don't worry," one voice said to the other. "Drake, you will relax and walk quietly to the van with us. You will

not put up a fight or make any noise."?He nodded, stood and walked forward.?Before Drake could process anything more, a painful whack to his head sent him tumbling into darkness. The leader yelled at whoever had hit him, and then Drake lost consciousness.

***?That day had been life-changing, just not they way he'd hoped or imagined.

Drake wondered if his blood still stained the block of cement his attackers had used to bash in his head that day, after hitting him with a tranquilizer gun from afar. Overkill, much? They hadn't underestimated his strength, at least.

Still, not all was lost. The priest's words gave him hope. They could form a plan. They had help. They were not alone.

But how did the priest know so much? Was he really psychic??A shout from behind pulled him out of his thoughts. "Drake!"?Kylie the Beach Bunny, as she liked to be called, hadn't changed a bit. Bits of a silver string bikini hugged her

curvaceous form as if it were painted on. Her bleach blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders in artificial curls. Pretty much everything about Kylie was artificial, actually. Drake could not for the life of him remember why he'd ever hooked up with such a shallow creature.

Drake hadn't turned around all the way when Kylie slipped her slender arm around his waist and pressed her body against his back.

His skin crawled at her touch.

She leaned in close to his ear, her voice a contrived throaty whisper. "I've been missing you, Drakey boy. Nobody has ever had the stamina you do."

"Drake?"

Oh, shit.

Drake turned to face the last person he wanted to see in that moment. Sam.










INTERVIEW

Kimberly Kinrade




The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Forbidden Fire?



Kimberly Kinrade: The original concept for the series came from a dream I had about a girl who could read minds and was rented out as a spy to the rich. What I thought would be a short story turned into something much longer, and once I completed Forbidden Mind, I knew it was meant to be a trilogy, thus Forbidden Fire was born.



The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?



Kimberly Kinrade: I've wanted to be everything—and a writer, my whole life. I started writing when I was 5 or 6 years old, even selling some of my stories to friends and neighbors when I ran out of teeth to the sell to the Tooth Fairy. (That's a true story, by the way.) My first job out of high school was a journalist for a major daily newspaper in Los Angeles. I have done a lot of other jobs, gotten other degrees, explored the 'everything' I thought I wanted to be, and in the end found all I ever really wanted was to be a writer. So I am. ?



The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?



Kimberly Kinrade: My early childhood memories are choppy, so I don't know when the earliest memory of that was. I do know that I always had my nose in a book. Whenever we went to family events, I was the one in the corner reading. I was also the girl who snuck a flashlight into my bed to stay up way past bedtime reading. When I was a teenager I had this crazy neon phone in my room that lit up, and I used to use that to read by under my covers.



The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?



Kimberly Kinrade: So many! YA, paranormal of all kind, romance, thrillers, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, mystery, some chick lit—though I hate that label.



The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?



Kimberly Kinrade: Picking a favorite book is like asking me to pick my favorite child. Not happening. I love so many! I guess the book that has stuck with me the longest though is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. It opened up magical worlds to me and I've reread it so many times I practically have it memorized, then I read it to my girls before they could read on their own.



The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?



Kimberly Kinrade: I have a few, for different reasons. C.S. Lewis for his prose and magic. Neil Gaiman, because he's amazing. Patti Larsen, because her books are some of my favorite. Lane Diamond because I think he's going to be the next big thriller writer of this decade.



The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?



Kimberly Kinrade: Egypt, 1370-1330 BC, because I would want to be there when the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti turned Egypt on its head by proclaiming it a monotheistic government during their religious revolution. There's so much intrigue and mystery about that time. What happened to Akhenaten? Where did Nefertiti come from? Did she really rule Egypt alone after her husband's death, before King Tut was pushed into power? I would love to go there!



The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?



Kimberly Kinrade: It's always been very easy for me, most of the time. The challenge comes when I'm on deadline and have a lot to do in a short period of time, or when I'm writing the last book in a trilogy and have to make sure I wrap up every plot thread throughout, to the satisfaction of my readers. But that's more in plotting then writing.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?



Kimberly Kinrade: YES! I have 2 dogs and 2 kittens and love them all!



The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?



Kimberly Kinrade: Chocolate and anything with cheese. So bad for me, but so yum! I also adore tropical fruit but hate preparing it.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?



Kimberly Kinrade: Work hard at your craft. Don't just write, but study and learn. Read books on writing, plotting, grammar, sentence structure and storytelling. Push yourself to excel, and never skimp on the important stuff like a professional editor. And most of all, never give up. This isn't a sprint, it's a marathon, and it takes a long-term commitment to make it professionally in this business.









BOOKMARKS

Sam


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Luke


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Lucy


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Drake


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AUTHOR BIO






Forbidden Mind Author

NOTE: my married name is Karpov-Kinrade, but my books are published as just Kinrade

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children's fantasy chapter books Lexie World, and Bella World, all on Amazon.

She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.










FOR A LIST OF HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT

Amazon

For a fun fan experience, join the team at I.P.I.

For kids and parents of young kids, join the Lost Kids at Three Lost Kids

Good Reads







ONLINE LINKS

Website

Twitter

IPI Twitter

Facebook

IPI Facebook













GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon GC plus signed copy of all three books (Forbidden Mind, Forbidden Fire, Forbidden Life), bookmarks and surprise swag {USA/Canada Only}

2 signed copies of Forbidden Mind with swag {USA/Canada Only}

2 Book Marks and IPI ID badge

7 Postcards from Sam and Hunter







a Rafflecopter giveaway







Be sure and check out all the other stops on the tour.



TOUR SCHEDULE

10/15 Bookish Things & More Review and Giveaway

10/15 Andrea Heltsley Books Review

10/15 Guilty Indulgence Spot Light, Guest Blog, First Chapter, and Giveaway

10/15 My Other Book Blog Review and Giveaway

10/15 For The Love Of Film And Novels Spot Light, Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway

10/15 The Cover by Brittany Interview & Review

10/16 A Soul Unsung Guest Blog and Giveaway

10/16 The story of a girl... Review

10/16 Simply Infatuated Interview and Giveaway

10/16 The Bunnies Review Review

10/16 Eternally Books Guest Blog, Review, Interview, and Giveaway

10/16 Rea's Reading and Reviews Review

10/17 The Avid Reader Interview

10/17 My Cozie Corner Review and Giveaway

10/17 Andi's Young Adult Books Spot Light,, Guest Blog, Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway

10/18 Dahl's Doll Spot Light

10/18 Reader Girls Guest Post, Review, and Giveaway

10/18 A Date with a Book Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway

10/19 Nette's Bookshelf Reviews Review and Giveaway

10/19 Lissette E. Manning Spot Light and Review

10/19 Princess of Pages Review

10/19 Doctor's Notes Review and Giveaway

10/19 Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books Review, Interview , and Giveaway

10/19 A night’s Dream of Books Review

10/19 The Clumsy Coquette Review







Innovative Online Book Tours, Innovative Online Book Tours

Wishlist Wednesday #28




Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.







  • Follow Pen to Paper as host of the meme.
  • Please consider adding the blog hop button to your blog somewhere, so others can find it easily and join in too! Help spread the word! The code will be at the bottom of the post under the linky.
  • Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get to put on your shelves.
  • Do a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist.
  • Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of the post on Pen to Paper.
  • Put a link back to pen to paper somewhere in your post.
  • Visit the other blogs and enjoy!






On My Wishlist




Buried Alive (No Shelter, #3)
Title: Buried Alive
Series: No Shelter
Author: T.S. Welti
ebook:
Pages: 135
Published: June 15th 2012
Publisher: T.S. Welti







Goodreads synopsis




When the environment is ravaged by rising sea levels and monstrous storms, America is divided and survival becomes more precious than love.

After their haven in the woods is compromised, Nada and her tribe must decide whether they want to hike all the way from California to Washington D.C. in the dead of winter with the Guardians on their tail. Nada isn't certain she wants to spend the rest of her life living in an underground shelter with Isaac, even if it means living comfortably and free of fear. Nada thinks this is the most difficult decision she has ever had to make until an even more difficult decision presents itself. Will love or shelter conquer all?

This is a post-apocalyptic novella.





Why did I choose Buried Alive for this weeks Wishlist Wednesday?



I have read the first two books in this series. No Shelter and Left Behind They are very good books. I can't wait to read the 3rd book Buried Alive.





Look for T.S. Welti on the web


Goodreads - T.S. Welti

Goodreads - Buried Alive

Web Site - T.S. Welti

Twitter - T.S. Welti

Facebook - T.S. Welti





What is on your Wishlist Wednesday?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Blog Tour: (Review + Giveaway) Savage (Daughters of the Jaguar #1) By Willow Rose




I would like to welcome Willow Rose to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Willow Rose. Please be sure and check out Willow Rose's novel Savage. Check out my review and excerpt of Savage.

I would like to apologize to Willow Rose and Full Moon Bites for missing my tour date stop for Savage on Oct. 9th. My modem went out and I had to have my provider send a new one. They sent me new one in a few days. So now I am up and running again.

I know that the tour for Savage ended yesterday but I still wanted to do my stop because I had made a commitment to Willow Rose and Full Moon Bites. Thanks guys for being so understanding. And once again I really apologize for missing my stop.




Savage Banner






Savage Book Cover

Book Title: Savage

Series: Daughters of the Jaguar

Author: Willow Rose

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Ebook/Paperback:

Pages: 447







PURCHASE

Savage




Amazon











BOOK DESCRIPTION

Savage




The year is 1983. Christian is 22 years old when he leaves his home in Denmark to spend a year in Florida with a very wealthy family and go to med-school. A joyful night out with friends is shattered by an encounter with a savage predator that changes his life forever. Soon he faces challenges he had never expected. A supernatural gift he has no idea how to embrace. A haunting family in the house next door. A spirit-filled girl who seems to carry all the answers. An ancient secret hidden in the swamps of Florida. One life never the same. One love that becomes an obsession. Two destinies that will be forever entangled.

Savage is a paranormal romance with some language, violence, and sexual situations recommended for ages sixteen and up. It is the first book in a family saga that covers three decades of the character's lives. The sequel is expected in September 2012.








EXCERPT

Savage




“So how much do you know about St. Augustine, Chris?”

The woman driving gently touched her elegant yellow hair, careful not to mess it up with her colored nails. She spoke with a strong southern accent and was incredibly beautiful for her age, which I guessed was more than twice my age of twenty-two. Her name was Mrs. Kirk. I had just met her at Orlando Airport for the first time a few minutes before. She was waiting for me holding a sign with my name, Christian Langaa, printed on it.

The year was 1983 and I had recently finished my third year of med school at a university in Denmark. I had just left my country of birth for St. Augustine in Florida. Leaving Denmark was my father’s idea, really. I guess he thought it was about time I left the nest, so he called in a favor with an old friend of his, an American eye surgeon, to take me in and help me get a year at a medical school “over-there.” I can’t say I was unhappy about it. At that time all kids my age wanted to go to the States where stone-washed jeans and Michael Jackson came from. His latest album "Thriller" had just been released and was played on every radio station all over the world. Like so many else I bought the cassette and played it again and again on my Walkman. Where I came from anything that was American was considered hip and cool. That summer before I left, my friends and I had watched the movie Flashdance that made ripped sweatshirts popular and we loved the TV show Dallas and Dynasty that made everybody wear increasingly oversized shoulder pads - even us guys. We drank lots of Coke and dreamt of watching MTV, which at that time wasn’t something you could do in Europe yet and especially not in my small home-country Denmark, where we only had one national channel on our TV.










MY REVIEW

Savage




 

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of Savage from the author for a review via Full Moon Bites.

Christian Langaa is 22 years old and prefers to be called Chris. He leaves his home in Denmark to spend a year in St. Augustine, Florida. He will be going to med. school. He is going to be a doctor like his Dad. Chris is going to be staying with a very wealthy doctor and his family. Leaving his home and coming to America was his father's idea. His Dad called in a favor from friends of his. Chris came to America in 1983 when Michael Jackson's song "Thriller" came out. Chris and all of his friends played it all the time.

Chris meets the girl next door Aiyana, over time Chris and Aiyana fall in love with each other. Everyone that lives on Chris' street and the whole town doesn't like Aiyana and her family. They think they are weird but they just don't know them. They have never took the time to visit with any of them and find out who they are and what kind of people they are.

Heather the daughter of the doctor that he lives with tells him to leave Aiyana and her family alone. She tells him if her father finds out about Chris and Aiyana he will send him back to Denmark. Heather is probably jealous of Chris because she likes him as well.

When I read the summary of Savage I wasn't sure that I would like it very well. I am very glad that I gave it a chance because it is a very good book. I am very thankful to the author and Full Moon Bites for giving me the opportunity to read Savage. I can't wait to read Daughters of the Jaguar #2.










ABOUT THE AUTHOR






Savage Author

Willow Rose writes Paranormal Romance, mystery and fantasy. Originally from Denmark she now lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and two daughters. She is a huge fan of Anne Rice and Isabel Allende. When she is not writing or reading she enjoys watching the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Other books by the author: - One, Two ... He is coming for you - The eye of the Crystal ball - Beyond - Afterlife #1 - Serenity - Afterlife #2 - Endurance - Afterlife #3 Currently Willow Rose is working on the sequal in the series "Daughters of the Jaguar". It is expected to be published fall 2012.







ONLINE LINKS

Website

Facebook

Twitter







GIVEAWAY







The tour wide giveaway is for a eBook copy and signed paperback copy of Savage. The paperback is US only. The giveaway will end on October 22nd.




a Rafflecopter giveaway






Be sure and check out all the other stops on the tour.



TOUR SCHEDULE




Oct. 1st- Full Moon Bites

Oct. 2nd- Owl Read It

Oct. 3rd- I am, Indeed

Oct. 4th- Mallory Heart Reviews

Oct. 5th- The Other Shelf

Oct. 6th- Happy Tails & Tales

Oct. 7th- Wonderland Reviews

Oct. 8th- Community Bookstop

Oct. 9th- The Avid Reader

Oct. 10th- Kaidans Seduction

Oct. 11th- Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Oct. 12th- Bookluvrs Haven

Oct. 13th- Kharisma Rhayne

Oct. 14th- A Soul Unsung

Oct. 15th- Beach Bum Reads







TOUR SCHEDULE LINK



This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

Top Ten Tuesday #27










Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and would LOVE to see your top ten lists! the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.




For future Top Ten Tuesday topics, check them out here!

This weeks Top Ten List

Top Ten Favorite Authors In X Genre (Ex- Top Ten Favorite Science Fiction Authors, Top Ten Fave Contemporary YA authors)





I picked the genre Post-Apocalyptic because I love reading about zombies and end of the world.

  1. Stephen King: The Stand has been one of my favorite books since I first discovered Stephen King when I was a teenager.


  2. Tahereh Mafi: I loved Shatter Me it is one of my favorite books. I really liked Juliette because she never felt sorry for herself or whined to anyone about her problems or that she didn't get want she wanted.


  3. Amanda Hocking: I loved reading Hollowland I felt as if I was right there fighting along side Remy the whole way. Looking for Max wanting to find him just as bad as Remy as if he was my little brother too. I felt like I was being attacked by zombies. As if my family, friends and my whole life was gone and it was no more.


  4. Robert Kirkman: I know I may be cheating just a little bit with picking Robert Kirkman. I had too, I have read about half of the comic books and love them. I also watch the tv show The Walking Dead. It is about the only show that I will watch every week. The comic books and the tv show are very similar. Sometimes when you read a book and then watch the movie or in this case the tv show they will change a lot but they have not changed that much with this one.


  5. T.S. Welti: I have read the first two books in this series. No Shelter and Left Behind They are very good books. I can't wait to read the 3rd book Buried Alive.


  6. Shaun Jeffrey: I loved the whole concept, idea that is being portrayed in Dead World . It is not just about zombies or Gods in general. I love the aspect of telling a story with in a story. Shaun Jeffrey has an amazing, awesome way of telling a story. He is a brilliant story teller. To understand what he is trying to say you would have to have an open mind. The whole time I was reading Dead World I kept thinking that Shaun Jeffrey has a way of telling stories that makes me think of Stephen King.


  7. Shannon Mayer: I loved reading The Nevermore Trilogy, Sundered, Bound and Dauntless. I loved how much Mara and Sebastian loved each other so much that when he was zombish he still knew her and took care of her.


  8. Jessica Sorensen: I have read Darkness Falls and Darkness Breaks and loved both of them. I can't wait to read Darkness Fades. I have not read any books about vampires like the ones in the Darkness Falls series. They are like the zombies in books about zombies.


  9. Kenya Wright: I really, really loved Fire Baptized. I loved that it had a new twist on all the different supernaturnals like Vampires, Shifters, Fairies, Witches etc... It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end before the murder was revealed. I can't wait to read the second book The Burning Bush. I would also like to read some of Kenya Wright's other books as well.


  10. Adam Sifre: I had the privilege of reading I've Been Deader for a blog tour presented by Bewitching Book Tours. I am very grateful that I had this opportunity. I've Been Deader is about zombies which if you haven't figured it out yet I love reading about zombies. I've Been Deader is like no other zombie book that I have read before.








What is on your Top Ten?

Monday, October 15, 2012

Blog Tour: (Excerpt) Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Book #2 in the Funeral Crashing Series) By Milda Harris




I would like to welcome Milda Harris to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Milda Harris. Please be sure and check out Milda Harris's novel Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Book #2 in the Funeral Crashing Series) and Excerpt.




Adventures of a graveyard girl banner






Adventures of a Graveyard Girl book cover

Book Title: Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Book #2 in the Funeral Crashing Series)

Series: Funeral Crashing Series

Author: Milda Harris

Genre: Young Adult Romantic Mystery (with humorous elements)










BUY LINKS

Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Funeral Crashing #2)




Amazon ebook

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

Smashwords










SYNOPSIS

Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Funeral Crashing #2)




Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley!

For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom.

Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!










MORE ABOUT THE FUNERAL CRASHING SERIES

SYNOPSIS

Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Funeral Crashing #1)

Now available for FREE download !

Sixteen year old Kait Lenox has a reputation as the weird girl in her high school, mostly because of her ex-best friend turned mean popular girl, Ariel, but maybe it has a little to do with the fact that Kait has a hobby crashing funerals. At one of these, Kait is outted by the most popular guy in school, Ethan Ripley. Yet, instead of humiliating her for all the world to see, he asks for her help, and Kait finds herself entangled in a murder mystery. Not only is the thrill of the mystery exciting, but more importantly Ethan knows her name! A little sleuthing is well worth that!







EXCERPT

Adventures of a Graveyard Girl




"I like the theme: A Night in Paris. Super romantic," I said, trying to keep the conversation going.

It was well done, actually. There was a big banner at the front of the gym, where the DJ was, announcing the theme for the night. A fake Eiffel Tower stood in the middle of the snack table, separating the snacks and the beverages. An Arc De Triumphe was the entranceway into the gym. The tables scattered around the dance floor were covered with white tablecloths and silver stars. The mood lighting was ultra romantic, with small fake candles sitting on the tables.

"Yeah, it was all Madison's idea. She's our club president. Ariel said it was her idea, of course, but I heard Madison suggest it first," Sarah said.

I stopped myself from asking more about what Ariel had said. Was Sarah really criticizing Ariel? Was there dissension among the new group of bffs? I was dying to know, but there was no way Sarah was going to give me any juicy gossip if I asked her. The group lapsed into silence again. What were we going to talk about?

"It looks very cool," Ethan said, trying to get the conversation started again.

The first notes of a romantic slow song were starting to play. I started swaying to the music. Couples formed all around us. We all watched them as we tried awkwardly to think of a conversation piece.

"So, how about we dance?" Mike asked Sarah.

"I'd love to," Sarah said.

"Bye guys," Mike said, as Sarah dragged him away, totally grateful at the chance to get away from us.

Kyle turned to Suzie, "You want to dance too?"

Suzie nodded and turned to us, "See you guys later."

Then they walked away too, hand in hand. Ethan and I were finally alone. We stared at each other, suddenly awkward with one another. I felt a little nervous. We had been about to dance before, but suddenly the air was charged with possibilities.

"Dance?" Ethan asked.

I nodded and took his hand. Ethan led me a little ways onto the dance floor and placed his hands on my hips, drawing me toward him. I hooked my arms around his neck. I caught the scent of his cologne. He smelled amazing. We started moving to the notes together, side to side. My stomach was doing nervous excited flips. Now this was the best moment of my life.

Ethan looked down at me and I looked up at him, our eyes meeting. I leaned up to kiss him. I really couldn't have asked for a more romantic Homecoming Dance moment. It was so perfect, but just as our lips were about to touch, we both jumped as the music stopped with a screech, ending in dead silence. Then I heard the girl screaming, and screaming, and screaming.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Adventures of a Graveyard Girl  Author

Author Milda Harris is a Chicago girl who ran off to Hollywood to pursue a screenwriting dream! She has a dog named after a piece of candy (Licorice), was once hit by a tree (seriously), and wears hot pink sunglasses (why not?). Between working in production on television shows like Austin & Ally, Hannah Montana, and That's So Raven and playing with her super cute dog Licorice, she writes young adult murder mystery, horror, paranormal romance, and chick lit novels.




Her ebooks Adventures in Funeral Crashing, Adventures of a Graveyard Girl, The New Girl Who Found a Dead Body, Doppelganger, and Connected (A Paranormal Romance) are for sale now!




FIND THE AUTHOR

Website

Blog

Blog

Facebook - Author

Facebook – Funeral Crashing

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TOUR SCHEDULE




Oct. 11 - Terri

Oct. 12 - Michelle These Words Tell A Story - Interview/Guest Post or Excerpt

Oct. 13 - Alana

Oct. 14 - Kimberly - Book & Author Spotlight

Oct. 15 - Nancy - The Avid Reader - Excerpt

Oct. 16 - Faye - A Daydreamer's Thoughts - Review

Oct. 17 - Flora - Review

Oct. 18 - Trish - Guest Post/Excerpt

Oct. 19 - Midu

Oct. 20? - Tana







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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Blog Tour: (Guest Post) Elementals By Kelbian Noel




I would like to welcome Kelbian Noel to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Kelbian Noel. Please be sure and check out Kelbian Noel's novel Elemental and Guest Post "Witch Tales".




Elemental Banner






Elemental Book Cover

Book Title: Elemental

Series: The Elementals, Book 1

Author: Kelbian Noel

Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy

ASIN: B008MZ59Q0

Pages: 364

Word Count: 71279

Cover Artist: Kelbian Noel









BOOK DESCRIPTION

Elemental




Baltimore Land is a typical teenager whose parents embarrass her completely. She wants nothing to do with her family's beliefs and is convinced their silly rituals only exist to make her life miserable. All she wants is to be normal, but the fact that her parents are witches seriously messes with her social life.

She's doing alright, with a boyfriend who seems to like her just the way she is and an awesome best friend who is fascinated by her lifestyle, but she's not the most popular girl in her small Utah town. In fact, she's kind of the town freak. 

When her boyfriend's ex tries to win him back, Baltimore's emotions get the best of her and she soon realizes her parents' beliefs aren't so silly after all--they're just the beginning.












PURCHASE

Elemental




Amazon












GUEST POST

Elemental

WITCH TALES




Witches, with their pointed black hats and green faces. Their evil potions and hexes serve only chaos. They call upon gods to grant them wishes, they meet in groups to celebrate, chant and socialize with the likes of their own. You can’t become a witch by mistake. In many cases, initiation is required. What evil lies in the coven of these devil-like women?

Not anymore than your neighborhood church.

While writing this series, I quickly discovered the similarities between paganism and many other religions out there. The main thing that stood out was how each and every one of these religions relies on blind faith.

I didn’t grow up Wiccan but what I did learn in my youth didn’t stray too far from the same idea: If I ask a god to help me with something and believe in it fiercely enough, it will happen. Most of us have been taught that variation of belief at some point in our lives.

Why witches have been crucified and continue to be called out on their heathenism (a word which, by the way, is a compliment to some) is beyond me. I, for one, appreciate the things I’ve learned and am still discovering while writing this series.

Wiccan and other pagan religions are actually quite peaceful. They’re not built on threats or brainwashing and they don’t do “evil” things to people for the fun of it. To top it all off, a huge part of their doctrine is respecting and working with the earth. Who could go wrong with that?









ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Elemental Author

From a very young age, Kelbian loved to read. She found herself engulfed in novels by Janette Oke and L.M. Montgomery, but never seemed to find herself in the pages. At the age of 11 she declared she would write stories that had to do with her own experience, and be the youngest author in history. But life was full of baseball, homework, best friends and boys. 

Decades later, having studied writing in college and pursued it as a career, Kelbian decided it was time to get back to her dream. She started writing again, joined a critique group and wrote two novels. Then in March 2011, along came Elemental. This time life's distractions couldn't shake the feeling that the world needed to hear Baltimore's story. At least those who would listen! A year later, Kelbian is excited to introduce Elemental to the world with hopes someone will love the story as much as she does. 

Kelbian lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her two children.







FIND THE AUTHOR

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September 21 Promo Crafting Magic

Sept. 21 Sapphyria's Book Reviews

September 22 Guest blog Lisa’s World of Books

September 23 Guest blog Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews

September 24th Guest blog She - Wolf Reads

September 25 Promo The Book Hoard

September 26 Interview The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

September 27 Promo Roxanne’s Realm

September 28 Guest blog Fang-tastic Books

October 7 Guest blog For The Love Of Film And Novels

October 12 Interview Books & Beauty

October 13 Guest blog and Review IRMC Books

October 14 Guest blog The Avid Reader

October 15 Interview Bewitching Book Tours Magazine

October 18 Promo Susan of A Soul Unsung












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Saturday, October 13, 2012

Blog Tour: (Book Spotlight + Excerpt) Bad Juju By Dina Rae




I would like to welcome Dina Rae to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Dina Rae. Please be sure and check out Dina Rae's novel Bad Juju. Check out an excert of Bad Juju.




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Bad Juju book cover

Book Title: Bad Juju

Author: Dina Rae

Genre: Dark, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Young-Adult, (R-Rated although teens would love it)

Publisher: Amazon

Ebook:

Words: 93,000












PURCHASE

Bad Juju




Amazon









BOOK DESCRIPTION

Bad Juju




Lucien Nazaire flees his Haitian homeland and meanders around the United States for decades. He settles in a Wisconsin trailer park filled with elderly tenants. He meets Jake, his teenage neighbor, and hires him for odd household jobs. As their relationship progresses, Lucien invites the boy into the world of Voodoo.

Jake LaRue lives in foster care with his abusive uncle. The Voodoo lessons give him a sense of power within an otherwise helpless situation. Although the boy is a loner, he feels an instant connection with his classmate, Henry, and introduces him to Lucien.

Henry Novak has Asperger’s Syndrome. He fixates on historical events, most recently the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Like Jake, he becomes passionate about the dark side of Voodoo. They learn how to cast spells on those they hate and lust, leading up to dire consequences.

Several months after the Haitian earthquake, Henry convinces his family to volunteer with their church in the island's reconstruction. Their mission turns into a nightmare when he mysteriously walks off of the campsite.

Bad Juju is a balance of horror, romance, and literary fiction intended for ages fifteen and up. Research about the Voodoo religion, shapeshifting, zombies, and possession and themes of redemption and loneliness emerge throughout the plot.









EXCERPT

Bad Juju




By 6 a.m. Leah woke him up in his bed with a tray of cereal and juice. Remnants of the hellish night instantly came back as the pain in his back throbbed.

“You okay? It’s all my fault. I’m what triggered everything,” Leah cried.

“Take this. It’ll help out a lot with the pain.”

Jake could barely sit up. He downed the pill without even asking what it was. He looked at her once pretty face. It was purple and swollen. An upper tooth was missing.

“Your shirt is saturated with blood. Let me see your back.”

He agonized as he lifted his shirt. The pain pulsated even harder as the cool air hit all of the sores.

“Holy shit! I need to clean you up. With all of the dried blood it’s hard to see how bad this is.” She went into his bathroom and came back with a damp towel. Once she was finished wiping off his back, the white towel was a filthy reddish-brown color. “This isn’t so bad. You need to take a bath. Nothing some Bactine won’t heal up. And you’re still stuck in the Zoo, right?”

“Yeah. So don’t worry. No gym class. No one will see my back if that’s what you’re thinking,” Jake said with indignation.

“Shhh. He’s asleep.”

“Don’t you worry about Rhianna? Look at yourself. Look what he’s done to you. Your brother…He was going to rape you until T.J. stepped in. Wished T.J. would have stepped in for me. Pete took all of my money I worked so hard for. It was my ‘get the fuck outta here’ money. When I’m eighteen…I hate him, Leah. I really hate him.”

“He takes my money every night. I know how you feel. You just gotta hide it better. Somewhere that’s not here. Your uncle does pay the bills, and keeps things running. Please, no more fights. He’s not all bad. Just when he drinks is all.”







ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Bad Juju author

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a former teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago. She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio programs. When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.







FIND THE AUTHOR

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Halo of the Damned







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Friday, October 12, 2012

Blog Tour: (Excerpt + Giveaway) Bluff By Lenore Skomal




I would like to welcome Lenore Skomal to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Lenore Skomal. Please be sure and check out Lenore Skomal's novel Bluff. Check out an excerpt of Bluff. Oh and before you leave be sure and enter the giveaway.




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Bluff book cover

Book Title: Bluff

Author: Lenore Skomal

Genre: Dark, Literary Fiction

Publisher: Lenore Skomal Press

Ebook:

Pages: 288

Publication Date: October 1st 2012












PURCHASE

Bluff




Amazon









BOOK DESCRIPTION

Bluff




"To the medical world, I was a host body, surviving only to bring a new life into the world. And while I wanted to die more than anything in the world, I never wanted this. No, I never wanted to cease to exist. This was the worst death of all.”

Jude Black lives in that in-between, twilight place teetering on death but clinging to life in order to bring her baby into this world. Only she knows the circumstances surrounding her mysterious fall off the bluff that landed her in the hospital being kept alive by medical intervention. Only she knows who the father of her baby is. In this poignantly crafted literary novel, the mystery unfolds and the suspense builds as the consequences of Jude’s decisions threaten to reveal everyone's deceptions, even her own. Bluff offers a sensitive look at essential questions such as the value of human life, the consciousness of those in a coma and the morality of terminating life support. At the core is the story of a tragically misunderstood woman who finds peace, acceptance, understanding and even love on her deathbed.









REVIEWS OF

Bluff




"From the first few pages of Bluff, we were hooked. Lenore Skomal keeps you guessing and wanting more. The characters have stayed with us and we can't wait for a sequel!" -- Blue Stockings Literary Society

“Bluff raises vital questions about the nature of our human spirit. This compelling story is a must read. You won’t be able to put this book down. It will change you." -- Sylvia Browne, bestselling author and spiritual teacher

“Lenore Skomal is a powerful writer and a big talent. Her words will stir your heart.” -- Al Zuckerman, founder, Writer’s House Literary Agency, NYC

"Lenore Skomal is a highly acclaimed columnist and author, whose attention to detail, whose wit and pathos, have charmed readers for years. This, her first novel, is a breathtaking story of a life re-examined from the precipice of abyss. Heartbreaking and insightful.” -- Carlo DeVito, Ten Things My Dog Taught Me









EXCERPT

Bluff




I was born a weakling. An infection set in after my mother’s water broke and somehow that translated into pneumonia, which settled into my hours-old lungs. It was touch-and-go for several days. As the story goes, my mother Gay found religion, went into hiding in the hospital chapel and prayed like a mad woman. She sought the help of St. Jude. She made a deal with the saint. If I lived, and oh she prayed and prayed I would, she would name me after this mighty and powerful patron saint, the court of spiritual last resort for those with hopeless causes.

Yes, Gay kept her word and named me after the saint who saved my life. I never thought of asking her what she would have named me if I had died. I think a birth name can predestine you for life. I am Jude, the hopeless cause.







ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Bluff author

Lenore Skomal wants you to eat her books. She wants you to chew them in your teeth, savor them on your tongue, breathe them in, and feel her words in your skin. Her passionate desire is to touch your heart, inspire you, and luxuriate in the world of the written word. She finds ecstasy in constructing a perfect sentence and responds willingly to the nagging ache in her heart to create an authentic experience for the reader. Lenore is an award-winning author with the single goal of being heard.

Winner of multiple awards for blogging, literature, biography and humor, Lenore Skomal's catalogue spans many genres. With 30 years of writing experience, over 17 books published and a daily blog, the consistent themes in her work are the big issues the human experience and adding depth and voice to the intricacies involved in living a multi-dimensional existence. Skomal has won several Society of Professional Journalist Awards, Whidbey Island Writer's Conference honorable mention for best fiction, Writer's Digest 73rd Annual Fiction Contest, New York Public Library's Best Books for Teens 2003, and the Next Generation Indie Book Award for humor. From journalism, to literary fiction, to humor and biography, Skomal's writing is consistent, if not in genre, then in message.

As a member of the world community, Skomal is excited by the opportunities presented in today's publishing climate. Now, not only can she spend her time traveling internationally and experiencing cultural events like a Lakota Sweat Lodge, she shares these experiences directly with her readers in hopes of resonating with them and underscoring that no one is alone.

In addition to writing, Lenore is an engaging public speaker with over 1000 public engagements, book tours and writing seminars. She has taught college journalism, has one son, and when not off gallivanting from Egypt to Mongolia she resides with her husband in Erie, Pa.







FIND THE AUTHOR




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GIVEAWAY




The prize is one paperback copy of Bluff US only and it ends October 19th




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Cover Reveal: Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three By Marsha A. Moore




I would like to welcome Marsha A. Moore to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Marsha A. Moore. Please be sure and check out Marsha A. Moore's novel Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three. Check out the cover of Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three.




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Lost Volume Book cover

Book Title: Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three

Author: Marsha A. Moore

Genre: Fantasy romance

Release date: October 30, 2012











BOOK DESCRIPTION

Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three




When Lyra McCauley learns residents of Dragonspeir’s Alliance are suffering with a deadly plague, she doesn’t heed the warnings of her fiancé, wizard Cullen Drake, to remain safe in her human world. After all, she’s the present Scribe—one of five strong women in her ancestry who possessed unique magic, each destined to protect the Alliance against the evil Black Dragon of the Dark Realm. With Cullen dependent upon Alliance power to maintain his immortality, the stakes are doubled for Lyra.

She leaves her college teaching and puts herself at risk for the community afflicted by black magic. To find a cure, she and Cullen travel into the vile, lawless underworld of Terza to strike a bargain with an expert. Their efforts further enrage the Black Dragon, vowing to decimate the Alliance and avenge the murder of his heir.

Lyra must secure the three lost volumes of the Book of Dragonspeir. Written by the three earliest Scribes, each book contains energy. Possession of the entire set will enable overthrow of the Dark Realm. Following clues into dangerous lands, Lyra and Cullen seek those volumes. His assistants, Kenzo the tiger owl and Noba the pseudodragon, prove invaluable aids. Only if they succeed, will the Alliance be safe and Lyra reach closer to the immortality she needs to live a life with Cullen.











SERIES BLURB

Enchanted Bookstore Legends




Seeking a Scribe

The Enchanted Bookstore Legends are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account. Each book contains magic with vast implications.

Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five, standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her.

Heritage Avenged

When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by the evil Black Dragon. While learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe.




Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two ~ available for only $1.29

Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One ~ available for only 99 cents








EXCERPT: LOST VOLUMES

CHAPTER ONE

An Urgent Message




Lyra almost deleted the email marked urgent, suspecting some virus that might take control of her computer, but stopped when she realized the sender was her lover—a 220-year-old wizard, who rarely used a computer. She couldn’t open the message fast enough.



Lyra,



Alliance mortals and lower magicals are taking violently ill. I’m leaving the bookstore for a while to offer aid. DO NOT come to Dragonspeir. Stay safe in your world.



Love always,



Cullen



She stared at the screen, twisting a strand of her long hair. Leaning forward, she gripped the armrests of the chair. Her breath caught when she noticed how the dragon’s sapphire eyes on her new bloodswear ring sparked from the energy of her concern. His message left her undecided, reading between the lines and weighing the choices.

Those affected—mortals and lower magicals—seemed to place her in the risk group, obviously Cullen’s concern. However, those mortals were all born in Dragonspeir, while she originally came from Tampa. Lower magicals did include members of both worlds. But as the current Scribe, Lyra possessed inherited power at least as great as high-order wizards. She just didn’t fully grasp how to command her magic yet.

She did want to help. Since her parents and dear Aunt Jean died, the Guardians, wizards, dragons, and other residents of the Alliance were her only family. Lyra’s unique powers might be useful, especially since they now lacked an alchemist.

Eburscon disappeared after he attempted to steal her scribal aura, and she’d heard no reports of him since, so he was presumed dead by many. According to Cullen, no one wanted him back. However, living without a person capable of creating remedies for a plague or widespread illness had left many residents uneasy. Some talked about trying to persuade Tarom, the Dark Realm’s alchemist, to switch his allegiance. Two centuries ago, he served the Imperial Dragon, leaving only when he couldn’t tolerate working under Eburscon any longer.

Despite ranking as the top wizard, the Imperial Sorcerer in the Alliance High Council, Cullen lacked alchemical skills. Even though untrained, Lyra possessed a keen intuitive sense in the craft. She could help him. Aries guided the fire in her scribal powers and also fueled her impatience.

Lyra checked and secured Aunt Jean’s cottage since the last gasps of late winter storms in the upper peninsula of Michigan could be brutal.

Dashing off a few emails to her college students in Florida, she gave them feedback on their independent study in the Fantasy Lit course. She was glad her leave from on-campus teaching responsibilities continued until the next fall term.

Lyra saved and printed the chronicle draft of her bloodswear quest, completed at the end of last year. It was mid-March, and she’d almost finished the written account, storing magic in her words that would empower the Alliance—her role as a Scribe. The hard copy she stuffed into a commuter bag to work on later with the Imperial Dragon and the other three Guardians. She needed to sort through their research details that had helped her kill the heir to the Black Dragon. Additional supplies could be conjured from memory.

Outside, the dock in the backyard looked weather-beaten but sound. Waves from Lake Huron lapped at its old boards. In the flower bed, the first spring perennials peeked through the packed ground and would require plenty of care soon. Lyra hoped to be back in time to maintain what her aunt had loved so much. Crocuses stood bravely against the melting snowpack—a reminder.

As she turned from the garden, a large black butterfly flitted around her head. It was the same type that had spied on her before and been in her aunt’s room when she was killed—purple spots like eyes on its wings. Suspecting it was a transformed magical from Dragonspeir’s Dark Realm, Lyra swatted at the insect. Thinking that someone watched her leave caused a chill to run down her spine.

Finally shooing it to the nearby bushes, she lifted her head high, put her bag inside her silver Subaru sport wagon, and drove straight to Drake’s Bookstore.

After parking in back, she twisted her dragon ring to unlock the back door of Cullen’s shop, no longer needing the magical skeleton key. “Sheridan, I’m using your portal,” she called out.

From his cage on the showroom counter, the cicada chirped, “I already knew it was you, sweetheart. Nice perfume.”

Lyra shook her head. Darned bug never stopped flirting.

“By the way, Sire Drake told me to not let you pass. Something about an illness in the Alliance. Don’t make me use my magic on you.”

“I’m going anyway,” she replied as she prepared herself in the storage room.

“Like I knew you would,” he snapped.

She gave her ring another twist and stated, “Pateo porta!” In response, two metal bookcases moved apart. Between them lay the connector to Dragonspeir. She stepped across. The familiar tingling sensation now felt invigorating, when last summer it had frightened her. Her jeans, t-shirt, and jacket transformed into a full-skirted gown of light blue cotton under a navy cloak.

It was her first time back since being publically honored for completing her bloodswear quest and sorcery studies. She’d have to wait to find out if her new abilities could alter the clothing she acquired at the portal.

Lifting one side of the long garments, Lyra ran the short distance along the wooded trail to the location of the old, sentry tree, Gatekeeper Cranewort. Reminding her of the shape of grand live oaks in Florida, his branches spread wide and high, taller than any nearby. His large, flat leathery leaves were turned to collect the warm morning rays.

“Hello, Cranewort,” she called ahead. “I don’t mean to disturb your sunbathing, but I need to pass to the Imperial Dragon’s lair, or to the Meadow—whichever place I can help most with those who are sick.”

“Not sunbathing, child, merely enhancing my immune functioning to bolster my health after the harsh winter. Sire Drake instructed me to not permit your passage. He and all of us fear you will fall ill.” He lifted extensions of his roots into a spiky barricade, one of his gate-keeping defenses.

“Perhaps I can help,” she maintained, hands on her hips.

“It looks to be a horrible disease—elevated fever, chills, vomiting blood. Some are dying. Please stay here, Adalyra.”

“I’m not like any from Dragonspeir. I won’t get it.” Lyra hoped what she said was true but couldn’t turn her back on thousands who were ill.

.

“Well…you most certainly are unique.” He folded his leaves and tipped his trunk forward to look at her directly. “The Alliance relies on your special scribal abilities to battle the Dark Realm. Losing you to illness would risk too much. Be wise and stay back.” He smoothed down his bark and held out a twigged hand to her.

She stepped beyond his touch. “The entire Alliance is my family, and I need to help them.”

The gnarled tree let out a sigh and lowered his roots. “Very well. You have your own mind, and it is one of a leader. That is your inheritance from the four female Scribes in your family. But, I expect you to use every caution available. Sire Drake is in the Meadow. Stay with him.”

“I promise.” Lyra hurried toward the crossroads, which connected dozens of trails. There she selected the short path leading to the Meadow.

Pluch trees lined the trail. Their weeping branches, active with new sap, swept after Lyra in attempt to caress her golden hair, now grown almost to her waist. Flower buds on the bell flowers peaked out. The air held gentle notes of fragrant jasmine from the vine’s first purple flowers. She took a deep breath as she sped down the familiar walk. She had missed Dragonspeir.

Along the way, Lyra thought about her action, entering the land without permission. Although she recently passed sorcery training for all crafts except powerthrowing, Lyra only elevated her immortal status. In Dragonspeir, they used the term afflation—having received divine impartment of knowledge and strength to endure more physical hardship than a non-magical. Until gaining enough afflation to become fully immortal, she needed to be invited by the Imperial Dragon to be his guest in Dragonspeir.

As a new Alliance sorceress, the Imperial Dragon decided when he needed her. Lyra clearly broke his established protocol. But she often bent Alliance customs to suit her needs while working for the greater good. So far, she had only raised eyebrows, and no one troubled her. She hoped this time would be the same, but entering a plague-ridden land against orders was a bit different than wearing jeans or hugging dragons.










ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Author Lost Volume

Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Her creativity also spills into watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, she’s happily transforming into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. Crazy about cycling, she usually passes the 1,000 mile mark yearly. She is learning kayaking and already addicted. She’s been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and that spiritual quest helps her explore the mystical side of fantasy. She never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at new stories with toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical!







ONLINE LINKS

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Blog Tour: (Giveaway) Secrets, Lies & family Ties By Sylvia Hubbard




I would like to welcome Sylvia Hubbard to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Sylvia Hubbard. Please be sure and check out Sylvia Hubbard's novel Secrets, Lies & family Ties. Oh and before you leave be sure and enter the giveaway.




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Secrets Lies Family Ties cover

Book Title: Secrets, Lies & family Ties

Author: Sylvia Hubbard

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Thriller, Romance, Suspense, Interracial

Publisher: HubBooks

Ebook:

Pages: 212












PURCHASE

Secrets, Lies & family Ties




Amazon









BOOK DESCRIPTION

Secrets, Lies & family Ties




Ezekiel Chambers knew he would never find a woman that would allow him to marry and though he longed for a happy family life since his business life was so successful, his father was never going to give one inch to grant him that opportunity.

Reluctantly, he is convinced to go to his high school reunion, but upon meeting the mysterious woman, Ezekiel forgets what he wants and focuses on what he desires.

Too bad he won't be able to keep her.

When Grae is given the opportunity to sleep with the man of her dreams without him knowing her identity, this shy reclusive young woman steps outside of her shell and transforms herself into the woman of his dreams.







FIND THE AUTHOR

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GIVEAWAY




Tour-wide for a Kindle copy of Secrets, Lies & family Ties by Sylvia Hubbard and will end on Oct. 18th 2012




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