The Avid Reader

Monday, March 10, 2014

Release Blitz: Fighting for Love By L.P. Dover @LPDover @GHBTours

4:30:00 AM Fighting for Love, Girls Heart Books, L.P. Dover, Release Blitz, Second Chances No comments

Title: Fighting for Love
Series: Second Chances # 4 (Standalone)
By L.P. Dover
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Expected Publication Date: March 9th, 2014

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Fighting for someone's heart is more challenging than fighting for a title.

For a time, many years ago, love had grown, love was made, and in the end … love was lost. The decision to leave had been the worst mistake Shelby Dawson could have ever made. However, at the time-ten years ago-she felt her secret needed to stay hidden, even if it broke her heart and the heart of the man she loved. Back then, he was all hers and she was all his, but now things have changed and he isn't the same guy she knew.

He happens to be the well-known MMA Heavyweight champion and famous bad boy, Matt 'The Destroyer' Reynolds, who once before struggled to help his family pay the bills. Now, he has money flowing with each undefeated win and an insurmountable number of women filling his bed. Everything is perfect for the illustrious fighter, until one day it all changes. In walks the girl from his past, the same girl who promised to stick by him but left and never looked back. Their second chance to make things right will not come easy, for when one mistake is made an unwelcome consequence soon follows. Someone out there wants to rip them apart and they won't stop until Matt and Shelby pay the ultimate price … their love.

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USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries./font>

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can't forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols./font>

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

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Book Blitz: Watcher of Worlds by Brinda Berry @Brinda_Berry @NereydaG1003

5:00:00 AM Book Blitz, Brinda Berry, Watcher of Worlds, Whispering Woods, YA Bound Book Tours No comments

Watcher of Worlds (Whispering Woods #3)

by Brinda Berry

Release Date: 12/17/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Senior year should bring fun, friends, and happiness. Not portals, treachery, and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Mia Taylor, gatekeeper to an interdimensional portal, wants nothing more than to heal from her romance gone wrong. Illegally falling for her co-worker Regulus had been a huge mistake. But when Regulus goes rogue to hunt down a murderer, Mia must forget her broken heart and use her unique abilities to save him. Traveling across dimensions, she enters a strange and hostile world where a rebel faction holds the key to their escape. Her gift of synesthesia is in high demand, and a secret organization of the otherworldly kind has her in their sights. But sabotage and murder may be the least of her worries. Her ex-boyfriend wants a relationship. Her dad wants her to act normal. Her friends want her to stop moping. Who knew faking happy would be the easiest part of senior year?

Available from:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Excerpt:

The doorbell rang. I leaped off the barstool and hurtled for the door, desperate to relieve the boredom. I flung open the door, not really surprised that the person in front of me would be able to show up at the last minute on Christmas Eve night. The wind blew the door open wide and I hugged my arms around my body.

My ex-boyfriend Regulus stood staring me.

His dark hair curled along the edge of his cream wool turtleneck and a shy smile teased one corner of his mouth. He held a brown box tucked under his arm and had one hand shoved into his jeans pocket.

I knew I was only a synesthete and couldn't make time stop, but I'd swear the clock hands stood still. In the moment we stood silent, a boa constrictor of jealousy wrapped around my throat.

Was Regulus attracted to that girl Arizona had mentioned? Had he kissed her? Was he dating her?

Arizona shoved him out of the doorway. "Dude, I'm freezing here." Arizona maneuvered around Regulus's still body in the doorway. He leaned forward and gave me a hug. Although I generally avoid the touchy feely stuff, I let Arizona give me a friendly squeeze.

"Look what I brought," Arizona said, holding a piece of mistletoe high in the air.

"In your dreams," I said and shoved his arm with a laugh.

Dad stood framed in the kitchen doorway. He smiled at Arizona, then looked at Regulus. "Son, come on in." My stomach twisted when I heard him say 'son.' He hadn't done that before. I didn't think Dad had cared very much for Regulus while we dated.

I stepped back from the door, embarrassed at the ogling that I'd vowed to never do again with Regulus. Biscuit, who had been glued to Dad's side begging for food in the kitchen, ran to the door to greet our visitors. He ran circles around them in that happy dog way.

"I'm glad you both could come. At such short notice and everything." Arizona travelled across the family room, peering around corners. Regulus's direct stare sent tingly warmth to my face.

"Where is the Christmas tree?" Arizona scouted ahead.

"No tree." I answered. "We didn't do that this year."

Dad came forward and took Arizona's coat and held out his hand for Regulus's. "It's my fault. Mia said she didn't care whether we had one or not, so we didn't."

Arizona looked like a kid who'd lost his best friend. "I thought everyone put one up at Christmas. I was looking forward to it." He flopped into Dad's recliner.

Dad gave me a look. His face said that he thought Arizona was a single digit on the IQ scale. I grinned.

About the Author

Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She has a BSE in English and French and a MEd in Learning Systems Technology. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality. She doesn't mind being called a geek or "crazy dog lady". When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good reason.

Author Links:

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Week Blitz: Submerged By Cheryl Kaye Tardif @cherylktardif @RABTBookTours

5:00:00 AM Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Reading Addiction Blog Tours, Submerged, Week Blitz No comments

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Submerged - Week Blitz

By Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Psychological Paranormal Thriller

Date Published: 2/26/2013

From the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless…

"SUBMERGED reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl." -Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds

Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…

After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn't the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption-until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.

Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger's calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.

More reviews:

"From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There's a reason she sells like wildfire-her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer." -M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction

"Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece." -Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home

"From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with SUBMERGED-a compelling tale of anguish and redemption." -Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters." -Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes

"SUBMERGED will leave you breathless-an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride." -Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance

EXCERPT

Prologue

Near Cadomin, AB - Saturday, June 15, 2013 - 12:36 AM

You never grow accustomed to the stench of death. Marcus Taylor knew that smell intimately. He had inhaled burnt flesh, decayed flesh…diseased flesh. It lingered on him long after he was separated from the body.

The image of his wife and son's gray faces and blue lips assaulted him.

Jane…Ryan.

Mercifully, there were no bodies tonight. The only scent he recognized now was wet prairie and the dank residue left over from a rainstorm and the river.

"So what happened, Marcus?"

The question came from Detective John Zur, a cop Marcus knew from the old days. Back before he traded in his steady income and respected career for something that had poisoned him physically and mentally.

"Come on," Zur prodded. "Start talking. And tell me the truth."

Marcus was an expert at hiding things. Always had been. But there was no way in hell he could hide why he was soaked to the skin and standing at the edge of a river in the middle of nowhere.

He squinted at the river, trying to discern where the car had sunk. He only saw faint ripples on the surface. "You can see what happened, John."

"You left your desk. Not a very rational decision to make, considering your past."

Marcus shook his head, the taste of river water still in his throat. "Just because I do something unexpected doesn't mean I'm back to old habits."

Zur studied him but said nothing.

"I had to do something, John. I had to try to save them."

"That's what EMS is for. You're not a paramedic anymore."

Marcus let his gaze drift to the river. "I know. But you guys were all over the place and someone had to look for them. They were running out of time."

Overhead, lightning forked and thunder reverberated.

"Dammit, Marcus, you went rogue!" Zur said. "You know how dangerous that is. We could've had four bodies."

Marcus scowled. "Instead of merely three, you mean?"

"You know how this works. We work in teams for a reason. We all need backup. Even you."

"All the rescue teams were otherwise engaged. I didn't have a choice."

Zur sighed. "We go back a long way. I know you did what you thought was right. But it could've cost them all their lives. And it'll probably cost you your job. Why would you risk that for a complete stranger?"

"She wasn't a stranger."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Marcus realized how true that statement seemed. He knew more about Rebecca Kingston than he did about any other woman. Besides Jane.

"You know her?" Zur asked, frowning.

"She told me things and I told her things. So, yeah, I know her."

"I still do not get why you didn't stay at the center and let us do our job."

"She called me." Marcus looked into his friend's eyes. "Me. Not you."

"I understand, but that's your job. To listen and relay information."

"You don't understand a thing. Rebecca was terrified. For herself and her children. No one knew where they were for sure, and she was running out of time. If I didn't at least try, what kind of person would I be, John?" He gritted his teeth. "I couldn't live with that. Not again."

Zur exhaled. "Sometimes we're simply too late. It happens."

"Well, I didn't want it to happen this time." Marcus thought of the vision he'd seen of Jane standing in the middle of the road. "I had a…hunch I was close. Then when Rebecca mentioned Colton had seen flying pigs, I remembered this place. Jane and I used to buy ribs and chops from the owner, before it closed down about seven years ago."

"And that led you here to the farm." Zur's voice softened. "Good thing your hunch paid off. This time. Next time, you might not be so lucky."

"There won't be a next time, John."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Zur's mouth. "Uh-huh."

"There won't."

Zur shrugged and headed for the ambulance.

Under a chaotic sky, Marcus stood at the edge of the river as tears cascaded from his eyes. The night's events hit him hard, like a sucker punch to the gut. He was submerged in a wave of memories. The first call, Rebecca's frantic voice, Colton crying in the background. He knew that kind of fear. He'd felt it before. But last time, it was a different road, different woman, different child.

He shook his head. He couldn't think of Jane right now. Or Ryan. He couldn't reflect on all he'd lost. He needed to focus on what he'd found, what he'd discovered in a faceless voice that had comforted him and expressed that it was okay to let go.

He glanced at his watch. It was after midnight. 12:39, to be exact. He couldn't believe how his life had changed in not much more than two days.

"Marcus!"

He turned...

Cheryl Tardif

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Cheryl Kaye Tardif is an award-winning, international bestselling Canadian suspense author. Her novels include Submerged, Divine Justice, Children of the Fog, The River, Divine Intervention, and Whale Song, which New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice calls "a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel."

She is now working on her next thriller.

Cheryl also enjoys writing short stories inspired mainly by her author idol Stephen King, and this has resulted in Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories (collection of shorts) and Remote Control (novelette eBook).

In 2010 Cheryl detoured into the romance genre with her contemporary romantic suspense debut, Lancelot's Lady, written under the pen name of Cherish D'Angelo.

Booklist raves, "Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border."

Author Links

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Facebook Page

SUBMERGED Army on Facebook

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | itunes | Kobo Books | Smashwords

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

KINDLE FIRE + REsQMe Emergency Tool (featured in the novel and was donated by the company)

*The Kindle Fire HD or Kobo Arc 7 will be awarded IF I make New York Times or USA Today bestsellers lists, so the more people share my event, the better chance I'll be giving one away. The other prizes will be awarded no matter what happens.

This Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

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Book Blitz: Finding Monsters By Liss Thomas @lissthomas3152 @NereydaG1003

4:30:00 AM Book Blitz, Finding Monsters, Guardians of Esurack, Liss Thomas, YA Bound Book Tours No comments

Finding Monsters (Guardians of Esurack #1)

by Liss Thomas

Release Date: 10/16/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Monsters are real but they're not what we'd expect. Their realm lays hidden only to be found in darkness. They watch their humans and keep them from the dark portals leading to their world. To touch is forbidden... but not all follow the rules.

Missy has been fighting to live her entire life, but when she finds herself in a realm of unique and sometimes deadly monsters, she discovers just how much of a survivor she really is. Accidentally transferred to this mysterious realm by her monster and only friend, Charlie, he finds himself weak and unable to protect her. The only way she can defend herself and him, is to become a monster herself. But an unknown dark stalker watches her progress and if he steals her power, he will unleash a scourge on both his world and the world she left behind.

Available from:

Excerpt:
After washing and dressing, I make my way to the cooking fires to prepare breakfast for Missy and myself. I carry the tray of breads and fruits to her room. I knock. I knock again. Opening the door, I glance inside, ready to retreat if she is still sleeping. I panic. Missy is not in her room. Flinging open the door, I put the tray down. Her bed is made. I check the washing room which is also empty. I check my room just in case. Not there. I run to my parents' room with my heart thrashing in my chest.

"Where is she?" I cry without preamble. "Where is she?"

Mother comes to me and tries to calm my fears. "She left this morning before dawn. She has started her quest."

"I don't understand. What quest? Why didn't she tell me? Who is protecting her?" I look in turn to each as I question them. I can't think straight. The hurt inside is growing, increasing with my panic.

"Charlie, Missy has gone on a quest to become a monster. I explained to her what happened to you when you touched her. She wants you to be as you were. As she completes the tasks of her quest, she will gain traits of a monster, strengths and abilities you probably take for granted. She will grow stronger, and so will you."

I am reeling from the news. Did I want her to become a monster like me? Somehow, I always envisioned myself as a human for her. Staggering toward the window, I look out into the distance. I scan the horizon for any sign of her. She's gone. My human is gone. "Who's protecting her?" I ask not looking at them.

"This is a quest she must complete on her own, Charlie," Mother says.

I whirl in a rage. "You sent her into our world alone?" I let out a stream of curses as the hurt inside turns to nausea. I run from the room before either can stop me. I run through the halls, knocking over a servant before I reach the outer doors. I wrench them open and scream her name. Other bulls stop to stare at me as I continue yelling for my human to return to me. Father appears behind me.

"Enough, Charlie!" Father jerks me back inside and I slump to the polished stone floor in silence.

Mother approaches me and kneels, her long cream dress bunching around her. "She left you a note." She puts the letter in my hand and leaves with Father. I stare at the folded parchment, a tremor runs through me. I rise and storm to my room, slamming the door. I sit on my bed, unfold the letter, and begin to read:

"My dearest Charlie, please forgive me for leaving you like this, but I fear it's the only way we will truly be together and happy. I don't want you crippled by my presence and that is what has happened. It's almost as though we've traded places; you are sickly now and I am well. Only this time, I have the power to make you whole again. I have received my first task in a series of three that will transform me into a monster. Your mother assures me that I will be able to change back to my normal appearance at will so I am not really changing that much at all, right? Don't fear for me, my love, your mother has told me all I need to know about your world. I am currently on my way to challenge 'The Devil'. It sounds worse than it is. I should return to you in three days. I wish you could be with me. Even a tiny bit of you to comfort me. The hurt I feel inside is worse than the pain I felt as a human. I know you are feeling it too. Dawn will be here soon, and I must leave before then. I love you with all my heart.

Missy.

I read the note again and again. I won't let her be alone. Moving toward the corner, I view my reflection in the full-length mirror. I grip the sides and stare for a moment before I speak.

"Reflection! Come forth." I stand back and watch as my reflection in the mirror steps though the pane in front of me. "I need you to find our human and stay with her. I only have the strength to transform you into a butterfly but she will know who we are in that form." I pull up the shimmering blue light and transform my reflection into the swallowtail butterfly. I feel the drain on my strength but don't care. I open the window and my reflection flies away in search of our human. I check my mirror and I can see all that it sees. Satisfied that we will be together soon, I turn the mirror so I can see it from the bed and lie down to conserve my strength.

"I'm coming, Missy … I'm coming."

About the Author
I love writing fantasy fiction and especially for young adults. Many of my stories contain real life issues that teens face and although there's a fantasy element to the solution, my job is to provide hope that things will get better. I've seen too many articles about teens who end their lives over bullying. I'm working on a spin off series from The Guardians of Esurack and hope to use this subject throughout each book. Life is too short to give in to bullies. I hope I can make that clear through my writings.

Author Links:

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Book Blast: Intimate Strangers by Tara Mills @TaraMills16 @Shades_of_Rose

5:00:00 AM Book Blast, Intimate Strangers, Shades of Rose Media, Tara Mills 2 comments

Intimate Strangers
by Tara Mills

Can she ever forgive herself? Will she ever forget him?When newly engaged couple, Mac and Kate take a celebratory fishing trip off the island of Pelican Cay, they never dream their romantic bliss is in jeopardy.

What happens will test Kate in ways she never saw coming, make her question what she understands about her own heart, and lead her into the arms of another man.

Excerpt:

There was a spring in Kate and Mac's steps when they hustled down the dock, clasped hands swinging between them on this bright and early morning. In truth, it could have been simply the give of the walkway under their feet, but she chose to attribute it to their blissful mood. Her skin still tingled from making love with him back at the hotel. Both wore smiles that wouldn't quit.

Kate turned her wrist, and his, to admire her beautiful new ring. The breathtaking diamond caught the light and shimmered back at her, utterly captivating her all over again.

Mac shot her a quick glance and chuckled as he gently tugged her along. "Come on. You'll have all kinds of time to stare at that rock once we're on the boat."

"I can't help it." She laughed, still thrown by his unexpected proposal. "I love it!"

He turned her hand so he could admire the ring himself then winked at her. "It looks good on you." Mac craned his neck and spotted their chartered boat. "I see 'em." He shared a nod with a man watching them from a fly bridge just ahead.

The man chuckled as he made his way down a chrome ladder to the deck to meet them. "You beat my other crewman." Turning, he reached for Kate's hand, hauling her into the boat as Mac boosted her by the hips from behind. Her fiancé leaped gracefully onto the boat after her, and they both faced the captain.

"Welcome aboard the Sea Sprite. I'm Brady Finn." Still holding her hand, he gave it a hearty pump.

He didn't look any older than they were, but his sharp features were weathered from the wind and sun. The lines framing his smile gave his tan even more warmth. Her eyes strayed to his sandy hair. Generally, she preferred men who were more clean-cut, like Mac. But the way Brady's shaggy hair fluttered and feathered in the breeze, with the sun glinting off his natural bleached highlights, was undeniably appealing. As if saving the best for last, only now did she meet his unusual blue-green eyes. Set off by fine lines radiating out from the corner of each, they were beautiful, so striking she was thrown for moment.

No question-most women would find Brady Finn attractive. Trying very hard not to think about it, she blushed at her delayed response to his introduction. "Kate."

As always, Mac saved the day. Offering his hand to their skipper next, he grinned. "And I'm Mac Schafer." He glanced around, taking it all in. "Wow, this is some boat."

"Thank you." The captain was noticeably pleased at the compliment. "Ah … here's Rome. He's going to help you haul in your monster fish today."

"Rome?" Kate raised her eyebrows as she shook the Latino's hand.

His lips tightened. "I prefer it to Romeo."

Brady gave him a good-natured cuff on the arm and told the passengers, "He's not as big a fan of Shakespeare as his mom."

Chuckling, Mac clasped hands with him and brought back the man's easy smile. "Good to meet you, Rome."

A sigh of contentment escaped Kate as she gazed at her fiancé. Mac had a way with people, a gift for diffusing tense situations. It's what attracted her to him in the first place.

Stepping back, she was startled to catch the captain watching her, studying her. She had an uneasy suspicion he was very aware of how carefully she'd examined him moments ago. Looking evasively away, she reached for Mac. Pressed against his side while he chatted, Kate rubbed her hand up and down his spine, in dire need of a little of his calming mojo herself all of a sudden.

Oblivious to her tension, Mac smiled at Brady. "You said there's a bathroom on board?"

The captain pointed to his left. "Through the salon and down the stairs."

Mac gave Kate's waist an affectionate squeeze. "See. Told you. You'll be fine."

"You can't miss it." Brady's gaze landed on her again. To her relief, he didn't linger this time. "We'll head out as soon as Manuel gets here. Excuse me. I'll see what's keeping him."

Rome waved the couple into the cockpit. "How about a quick tour?"