The Avid Reader

Saturday, October 13, 2012

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

5:00:00 AM Bad Juju, Blog Tour, Book Spotlight, Dina Rae, Full Moon Bites No comments

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.

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

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

Website

Blog

Twitter

The Last Degree

Halo of the Damned

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

LINK TO FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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

5:00:00 AM Blog Tour, Bluff, Excerpt, Full Moon Bites, Giveaway, Lenore Skomal No comments

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.

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 motherâ€™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.Â 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

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

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

LINK TO FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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

4:30:00 AM Bewitching Book Tours, Cover reveal, Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three, Marsha A. Moore 2 comments

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.

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

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.

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

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

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Fantasy Faction staff page

Goodreads author page

Google +

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

TOUR SCHEDULE

Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

Lisa’s World of Books

A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books

Facebook

The Avid Reader

Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books

Lunar Haven Reviews & Designs

Twitter

Facebook Page

Books & Beauty

The Insane Ramblings of a Crazed Writer

aobibliophile™

Sapphyria's Book Reviews

The Speculative Salon

whoopeeyoo! :D

Twitter

Andi’s Book Review

The Solitary Bookworm

The Book Hoard

Blooding Book Reviews

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

5:00:00 AM Blog Tour, Excerpt, Full Moon Bites, Giveaway, Lies and Family Ties, Secrets, Sylvia Hubbard 1 comment

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.

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

Facebook

Twitter

Website

GIVEAWAY

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

LINK TO FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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

7:01:00 PM Bad Juju, Blog Tour, Dina Rae, Excerpt, Full Moon Bites, Review, voodoo 4 comments

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 my review and excert of Bad Juju.

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

EXCERPT

Bad Juju

Jake rolled out of bed and army crawled to the doorway. Looking through the opening that separated the door from the carpeting, he saw Leah’s head bloodied. She lay limp on the floor. Pete stopped hitting her. His whole demeanor changed. With a wolfish expression, he began to unbuckle his belt. Rhianna’s screams got closer. She must have darted to the other side of the living room, putting her smack-dab in front of Jake’s bedroom door. He could now see her foot. It partially blocked his view. Shit! Can’t get involved! If I open the door…

“Pete, what the hell is a matter with you? Stop it! She’s passed out. You beat her into a coma, man! And now you’re gonna…Sober up and think of what you’re doing! Right in front of your daughter!” T.J. yelled.

Is he suicidal? Jake knew his uncle would make T.J. regret his words. Like Leah, T.J. was small. He was filled with faults, but violence was not one of them. On perfect cue, Jake could hear his uncle’s bare fists hooking T.J. in the jawbone. Rhianna’s screams turned into full-blown hysteria. The poor girl was hyperventilating while desperately grasping Jake’s locked doorknob for refuge. I don’t want to be involved! Go back to your closet and lay still!

“Jakey, Jakey, pwwweeeze!” Rhianna sobbed.

Jake couldn’t take her suffering any longer. Quickly unlocking the door, he grabbed the little girl and pulled her inside his room and then relocked the door.

The living room had grown eerily quiet. Jake had a difficult time hearing while Rhianna wailed. “It’s okay now. Try to be quiet,” he whispered, straining to hear. Nothing but silence was on the other side of his door. His heart rate doubled. Always quiet before the storm. Was it over? Or was I next? He slid on his gym shoes, took a can of Comet cleaner from his bathroom, and crept up to the only window in the room. It was small, but Jake knew he could fit through. Then came the sound he was waiting for. Click, click, click. Pete was delicately trying to open the door. He now knew it was locked.

MY REVIEW

Bad Juju

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a copy of Bad Juju from the author via Full Moon Bites Book Tours for review.

Lucien Nazaire left his home and his family in Haiti and came to America to escape death. He practices the Voodoo religion and had gotten himself in danger with some of the things that he did with the religion. Lucien is an old man and has been cheating death. He knows his time is almost up and he needs someone that he can trust to leave all of his secrets too.

He meets Jake who is an orphan living with his uncle Pete and his uncle's wife Leah with their three year old daughter Rhianna. Jake and Leah are abused by his uncle Pete. So when he meets Lucien and he shows Jake what it is to have someone love you and be good to you they become good friends. Lucien trust Jake and teaches him all about Voodoo and his secrets.

Jake and Henry go to the same school and when Henry beats up the school bully and poplar guy in school. Henry and Jake become fast friends. The only friend that either one of them have. Henry has Asperger’s Syndrome and he fixates on historical events. After the Haitian earthquake in 2010, Henry remembers all about it and tells everyone.

Henry's church decides to go on a mission to Haiti to help the people there to rebuild their homeland. Henry and his family sign up to go with them. When Lucien and Henry meet and Lucien finds out that Henry is going to his homeland he gives Henry a journal to give to his family. The journal contains all of his Voodoo secrets that will make his family rich.

I wasn't sure that Bad Juju would be something that I would really want to read. But I actually really enjoyed reading it. It was a book that was really hard to put down. With all the twist and turns that it contained you just wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I have read a couple of Dina Rae's books and they are very well written. Dina Rae is one author to keep an eye on.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FIND THE AUTHOR

Website

Blog

Twitter

The Last Degree

Halo of the Damned

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

LINK TO FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

Blog A Quote #20

4:30:00 AM Amanda Hocking, Blog A Quote, Hollowland, meme, Michelle Chew Writes, The Hollows, Zombies No comments

Blog A Quote is weekly meme hosted by Michelle Chew Writes. Each week we will be sharing a quote from our favorite books. For more info and to sign up visit Michelle Chew Writes.

My quote for this week

Hollowland (The Hollows, #1) By Amanda Hocking

“You know something?" He lifted his head, and when he turned to me, he had this strange look in his eyes. Almost as if he was really seeing me for the first time. "I don't think I ever really lived until this. I've never done anything that mattered before, but now I'm fighting to save my life, and yours. And I know it sounds really cheesy and lame, but I don't think I ever really felt alive. Not until I met you.”

I really liked this book, well because I like zombies and anything that is horror. Remy is a kick-ass girl that is a very independent girl who can take care of herself. It has all the action that you need to keep you wanting to read more.

What is your favorite quote?

Blog Tour: (Review + First Chapter) I’ve Been Deader By Adam Sifre

5:00:00 AM Adam Sifre, Bewitching Book Tours, Blog Tour, First Chapter, I've Been Deader, I’ve Been Deader, Review 1 comment

I would like to welcome Adam Sifre to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Adam Sifre. Please be sure and check out Adam Sifre's novel I’ve Been Deader. Check out my review and the first chapter of I’ve Been Deader.

Book Title:

Author: Adam Sifre

Series: Book One

Genre: Horror/romance

Published: July 2, 2012

Publisher: Taylor Street Publishing

ISBN: 13: 978-1478180784

ASIN: B008H04Z0G

Pages: 306

Word Count: 90,000

Cover Artist: Tim Hewtson

BOOK TRAILER

Youtube

BOOK DESCRIPTION

I’ve Been Deader

Being a zombie is no picnic and it's one hell of a handicap in the romance department when you fall in love with a 'breather':

Aleta is a breather with short blonde hair and brown eyes - two of them! - and the whitest smile Fred has ever seen. Every day at a certain time she sits at her window, and every day he stands in the rubble across the street among a crowd of zombies waiting to break through the fence and eat her.

'You are beautiful, like an angel', he thinks, but all he can moan is, “Braaaiiinss."

Still, as zombies go, Fred's quite a catch. Underneath all the gangrene and rot, Fred is different. This girl will probably turn out to be yet another dead end, an infatuation, someone whose image he cannot get out of his mind and whose taste he cannot get out of his mouth, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

For breathers, it is always only a matter of time, however beautiful they are and whatever the government is assuring people.

Which makes Fred sad because he has a beautiful 11 year old son called Timmy, and Timmy may still be alive.

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CHAPTER ONE

I’ve Been Deader

Commute

Fred's ruined face stared back at him from a fractured, mold spotted mirror. The remains of breakfast pooled around his feet and a pair of lace panties clung to his shoe, glued there by God knew what.

Bits of flesh were stuck between his yellow teeth, along with the sodden remains of a hand-wash-only label. There was no denying that he'd seen better days.

Being a zombie is no picnic.

Compelled to pause and take stock of himself, he wiped his gore stained hands on a filthy shirt, unsure if he was cleaning the hands or the shirt. His right eye looked like a crushed egg yolk and his left leg was broken in two places. A large splinter of bone poked through the nskin above his thigh, fine dark lines etched across the surface like a bad piece of scrimshaw. The open wound on his neck had started leaking again, but at least the fluid was mostly clear now.

No use dwelling on negatives. Time to get to work. He turned away from his reflection, and limped out of the men's room of the Vince Lombardi rest area.

An overly bright morning sun assaulted him as he stepped outside.

Fred gave a mental wince, wishing yet again that he could blink.

Sunlight had no adverse effect on the undead, but he had never been a morning person. Rain or shine, today he had to shamble over to Terminal C of Newark Airport, where eight breathers were making their last stand. Zombies were lone hunters and rarely worked together.

Every so often, however, a kind of collective broadcast signal went out over the undead grapevine, announcing the newest brain buffet - in a shopping mall, a church, or an airport - with predictable and satisfying results.

Dozens were already making their way down the New Jersey turnpike. By their mindless, movie-slow pace, he knew they hadn't fed.

Zombies weren't Jesse Owens on the best of days, but they tended to move a lot faster with a little brain in the old furnace.

If Fred could breathe, he would have sighed. There'd be hundreds of zombies, all ready to fight over eight brains and assorted bits. The breathers would probably take out ten to twenty percent of the attacking hoard before being overwhelmed. That left about ten zombies per breather. With luck, by the time he got there he would still be the brainiac of the pack.

Having his wits about him gave a zombie an edge in the hunt. The effects of the virus or whatever it was that put the mojo in their mortified flesh varied from corpse to corpse. Most became textbook droolie ghoulies, but some could reason and even remember who they were as breathers. So far Fred hadn't come across any other thinkers, but he doubted he was the only one.

By mid-afternoon he found himself enjoying his walk down the turnpike. Most of the fires had burned themselves out and although the air still reeked of burning gasoline, the skies were more or less smoke-free. He might be a walking corpse, but he appreciated a warm spring day like this one. He pulled his lips up in what should have been a grin.

Death, ruin and destruction improved the New Jersey Turnpike.

Not that there wasn't a black lining to be found around Fred's own little rainbow of a life. Most of the zombies were a few hundred yardsdown the road, but two lesser undead doggedly tagged alongside of him, putting a bit of a damper on things. The virus left them as nothing more than … well, nothing more than zombies. They were about as interesting as slugs and moaned so much that, were Fred alive, he'd be sporting a hell of a migraine.

All in all, however, the day was turning out quite well. He almost convinced himself being undead wasn't so bad. Sure, it was bad luck that he was forty-five years old with a rather large potbelly when he had been bitten by that damned clerk. Being cursed to wander the earth in search of brains was bad enough, but why couldn't it have happened when he was twenty years younger and thirty pounds lighter?

He was imagining wandering the earth in search of fresh brains as a slimmer, sleeker and younger Fred, when the head of the zombie on his left exploded.

Shit!

MY REVIEW

I’ve Been Deader

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of I’ve Been Deader from the author for a review via Bewitching Book Tours.

I’ve Been Deader is a book about zombies. It is unlike any book about zombies that I have ever read. It is about this zombie named Fred. Fred can think, read and he learns that he can control the undead. He is on a mission and his mission is to find his son Timmy.

Fred figures out that the "breathers" and the zombies are in a war and that the "breathers" are winning. But after he learns that he can control the zombies he rounds up himself an army of undead to help him fight against the "breathers". He can't let the undead die out he has to win this war.

Fred sees a "breather" and falls in love with her. He goes to see her so that he can see if they can have some type of relationship. But all "breathers" are afraid of the zombies. All most do is run away screaming. The "breathers" have all almost been wiped out. And the zombies are very hungry.

I really loved reading I've Been Deader it being so different from any other book with zombies in it that I have read. I loved that we got to see what the zombies were thinking and feeling. We also got to know about their life like who they were and what kind of person they were before they became a member of the undead.

Adam Sifre is an amazing writer and has a brilliant imagination. One that I really admire. I've Been Deader is very different than other books about zombies. But if you like reading about zombies or just love a good horror story then you would love I've Been Deader.

I would like to thank Adam Sifre and Bewitching Book Tours for the wonderful opportunity to read I've Been Deader.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lawyer, Writer, Zombie Man

I have no real interest in anything and therefore write about everything. Think of the funniest person you know. I'm just a little bit funnier. Same goes for humble and good looking. Stick around. We'll have some fun.

ONLINE LINKS

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

TOUR SCHEDULE

September 20 Guest blog Captivated Reading

September 20 Promo Freda's Voice

September 21 Interview Sultry Storyteller

September 23 Interview Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

September 25 Interview Roxanne’s Realm

September 26 Guest blog Zombie Survival Crew

September 27 Interview Fang-tastic Books

September 28 Promo Mama Knows Books

September 30 Promo The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

October 1 Interview Kay Dee Royal

October 2 Guest blog Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Write

October 5 Review Snowdrop Dreams of Books

October 6 Guest blog Snowdrop Dreams of Books

October 7 Review The Avid Reader

Blog Tour: (Review + Giveaway) The Burning Of Isobel Key By Jen McConnel

2:34:00 AM Blog Tour, Giveaway, Jen McConnel, Review, The Burning Of Isobel Key, Witch 6 comments

I would like to welcome Jen McConnel to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Jen McConnel. Please be sure and check out Jen McConnel's novel The Burning of Isobel Key. Check out my review and the first chapter of The Burning of Isobel Key. Oh and before you leave be sure and enter the giveaway!

Book Title: The Burning of Isobel Key

Author: Jen McConnel

Series: Contemporary, New Adult

Published: October 2012

Publisher: BrightFish Press

ISBN: 978-0615684680

Pages: 290

Word Count: 64k

Cover Artist: Heidi Sutherlin

BOOK TRAILER

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Burning of Isobel Key

When Lou travels to Scotland, she's a mess. She is twenty-six, unemployed, and unsure of herself. It doesn't help that she's traveling with Tammy, her best friend, who is everything Lou is not.

At first, the trip pushes Lou towards the brink of depression, but then she meets Brian, a handsome local tour guide. When Brian tells the tourists about the countless witches burned in Scotland, Lou starts to listen. And when she discovers information about Isobel Key, one of the victims of the seventeenth century, Lou finds renewed purpose.

She sets out to learn the truth of the condemned witch, but she isn't prepared for the knowledge that waits for her. Lou must face her demons if she has any hope of righting the wrongs of the past.

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CHAPTER ONE

The Burning of Isobel Key

“I quit!” Lou’s words echoed around the checkout line, and customers craned their necks to see what was happening. Red in the face, Lou looked down at her register in embarrassment. Her manager patted her shoulder.

“Let’s go back in the office to talk about this.” He turned, expecting her to follow.

“No!” Louder than she’d intended, Lou stood her ground. “You heard me. I’ve had enough of this store.” As she spoke, she tossed her nametag on the counter. An errant brown curl flipped over her eye, and she pushed it away. Under the shocked gaze of her manager and the curious stares of a snake-like line of holiday shoppers, Lou fled.

Once she was outside in the bitter December wind, she headed for the nearest T stop, acting out of habit more than conscious thought. She’d walked this easy route between the bookstore and the T for the past four years, and her body took over while her mind churned.

She had a college degree, for Pete’s sake! Cum laude from Duke University had landed her a job selling books and stationary to the snobby suburbanites outside of Boston. Sighing, she paid her fare and took her seat on the train bound for the city center.

Suddenly, the weight of what she had done hit her, and she buried her face in her hands. What was she thinking, quitting her job like that? Lou replayed the afternoon in her mind. Nothing had happened today that hadn’t happened a thousand other times. Maybe it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back: four years of answering bizarre questions and customers who were always right had finally taken its toll on her psyche.

But now what would she do? Lou wasn’t a person who acted on impulse: she was cautious and considered her options. And now she was unemployed the week before Christmas. Lou slumped in her seat. Unless she figured something out, and fast, she might have to move back in with her family. It wasn’t that Lou had anything against her family, not really: her parents had adopted her shortly after her birth, and they’d never made her feel like anything but their cherished only child. But Lou was almost 27, and it had never been part of her plan to live at home after college. Part of her plan: that was funny, she thought. It sounded like she’d ever had a plan.

Sure, she always knew that she’d attend college after high school. With parents who had both made careers in the medical field, Lou had never doubted that she’d follow their lead and soak up as much education as she could. Money wasn’t an issue, so when she turned 18 and Duke University accepted her, she thought it would be ideal. She moved to North Carolina and spent four years studying the liberal arts, unable to decide on a tangible career path. Nothing seemed to fit, and even though she earned her degree, she didn’t really know what she was going to do after college. It was lucky that her best friend needed a roommate in Boston, Lou mused, or she might have ended up back with her parents four years ago.

Shaking her head, Lou glanced up as the train rolled to a stop. Standing unsteadily, she tried to ignore the raging pity party in her mind. As the doors whooshed open, the cold winter air assaulted her again. For the first time she realized that she’d left her coat behind in the employee lounge. Hesitating for a moment, Lou considered taking the train back and getting her things.

“There’s no going back,” she whispered. Even the excuse of her coat might be enough to put her back in her manager’s office, begging for her job back. Shivering, Lou hurried up the stairs and out of the tunnel. The old black light posts were swathed in candy cane stripes, and every window she passed displayed some holiday decorations. What a time to be unemployed, Lou thought sourly as she buzzed the doorman at her apartment.

Unlocking the door on the seventeenth floor, Lou called out nervously, “Hello? Tammy?” Her roommate didn’t answer, and Lou felt relieved. She wasn’t ready to face anyone yet, not until she’d figured out her next step. Checking the kitschy clock on the wall of the hallway, Lou realized it was only a quarter after four. Tammy wouldn’t be home ‘til seven or later. Relaxing, Lou stacked her boots neatly in the hall closet and headed to the kitchen.

The sleek, modern kitchen was a mess: remnants from Tammy’s last party were still strewn across the stainless countertops. Sighing, Lou plugged in the electric kettle and searched for a mug. While she waited for the kettle to whistle, she started to tidy up. She loaded the dishwasher carelessly and overfilled the soap container, but when she was done the room looked much more presentable. Satisfied, Lou added a packet of hot chocolate to the mug. After a moment’s hesitation, she stirred a hearty dollop of vanilla vodka into the chipped Disney World souvenir.

Leaning against the counter, Lou studied the apartment. The kitchen was open to the rest of the space, and from her vantage point, Lou could see the living room and the stairs that led to her lofted bedroom. She sighed, wondering how much longer she’d get to enjoy this apartment with her best friend. Her parents had helped her out with bills from time to time, but Lou felt certain that all assistance of this kind would stop if they found out she was no longer employed.

“What’s the matter with me?” She wondered out loud, tears in her eyes. Taking her mug, she crossed to the living room and flopped down on the fluffy red sofa. She began flipping aimlessly through the stack of magazines on the coffee table.

Suddenly, her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. Glancing at the cracked screen, Lou saw that it was Tammy calling. Sighing, she flipped the phone open.

“Hello?”

Tammy’s voice was crackly but excited. “Lou? Guess what? You’ll never guess what happened!”

Lou sighed, annoyed. “What?”

“They gave me an account!” Tammy squealed in delight. “Did you hear?”

“Tammy, that’s amazing!”

“And the best part is, guess where the account is based? Guess!”

Not wanting to play games, Lou asked, “Would you just tell me?”

“Scotland! Isn’t that awesome?”

Stunned speechless, Lou just stared at the phone.

“Lou! Louisa! Are you still there?”

She shook herself. “Yes, I’m here. Tammy, that’s great!”

“I know! They want me to go over there next week to check things out and meet everybody.”

“But isn’t next week Christmas? What about your family?”

Tammy laughed. “They won’t care. But Lou, wouldn’t it be perfect to spend Christmas in Scotland?”

Lou agreed that it would be. She ignored the small bubble of jealousy starting to form in her heart.

“Tammy, I’m really excited for you.”

“For us, you mean.”

“What are you talking about?”

Tammy’s voice broke into a garbled stream of words.

“Tammy!” Lou shouted. “I can’t hear you.”

“In the T…we’ll talk… home…”

The cell phone made a crunching sound and the call dropped. Lou looked at her phone and leaned back into the couch cushions. Wasn’t it just like fate to give Tammy something so wonderful, she mused, when she was so miserable? Sniffing, Lou drained her cup of spiked cocoa and headed upstairs to lie down.

MY REVIEW

The Burning of Isobel Key

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of The Burning of Isobel Key from the author for a review via Bewitching Book Tours.

Lou was almost 27 years old when she quit her job at the bookstore. She was just fed up with the customers. They was always asking some question or another that didn't make much sense. The day that she walked out was no different from any other day. Lou had a degree from Duke University and didn't know what she wanted to do with her life.

Lou's best friend and roommate Tammy calls her one day on her way home and tells her that she got an account. That her job was sending her to Scotland the very next week. The week before Christmas. Tammy takes Lou with her to Scotland. While in Scotland Lou meets a guy, Brian that she falls in love with.

Lou finds out about a woman by the name of Isobel Key that was accused of being a witch in the 17th century. Lou her new friend Brian and Tammy do research to find out what really happened to Isobel. Jen McConnel does a real good job going from the present time of Lou's life to the past of Isobel's life. You knew and could understand what time period you were reading unlike some books that I have read in the past.

When you were reading about Isobel the writing was so descriptive that you could picture what you were reading in your mind. The same goes for when you were reading about Lou's life as well. It's like Stephen King said in his book On Writing. The writer and the Constant Reader both have esp. When he is writing about a red table cloth you the Constant Reader sees a red table cloth in your mind.

If you like reading about the Salem Witch Trials then you would definitely enjoy reading The Burning Of Isobel Key.

AUTHOR BIO

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. Since then, her words have appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Sagewoman, PanGaia, and The Storyteller (where she won the people’s choice 3rd place award for her poem, “Luna”).

She is also an active reviewer for Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA), and proud member of SCBWI, NCWN, and SCWW. She lives in North Carolina, where she teaches writing at a community college.

ONLINE LINKS

Website

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GIVEAWAY

3 $10 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

TOUR SCHEDULE

RDB Oct 1

A Bibliophile's Thoughts on Books

Cover2CoverBlog

Whimsically Yours

Place of Reads Book Blog

Tour Oct 2-9

October 2 Interview and review My Escape

October 3 Promo and review Stuffed Shelves

October 4 Guest blog Place of Reads Book Blog

October 5 Guest blog and review Musing From An Addicted Reader

October 6 Review The Avid Reader

October 7 Review Books, Books, and More Books

October 8 Guest blog Mila Ramos

October 9 Guest blog and review On the Broomstick

October 9 Promo Frankie Blooding Blooding Book Reviews

Blog Tour: (Guest Post + Giveaway) Forbidden Mind By Kimberly Kinrade

5:00:00 AM Blog Tour, Forbidden Mind, Forbidden Mind Trilogy, Giveaway, Guest Post, Innovative Online Book Tours, Kimberly Kinrade 10 comments

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 Mind. Check out my guest post with Kimberly Kinrade on Lie to me, I dare you. A guest post by Lucy from The Forbidden Trilogy. Oh and before you leave be sure and enter the giveaway!

Book Title: Forbidden Mind

Author: Kimberly Kinrade

Series: The Forbidden Trilogy

Published: September 6th 2011

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Ebook:

Pages: 176

BLURB

Forbidden Mind

49% of Americans believe their government officials are honest. I don't know these officials, or their supporters, but I know their secrets, and 49% of Americans are wrong.

My employers pay me well to be right, to know things others can't. But I don't know why they brought that boy in, strapped to a stretcher, barely conscious. He asked me for help when I could give none.

I'm a wealthy spy, a talented artist, a martial arts black belt, and a prisoner. They tell me that on my eighteenth birthday, I will be released, free to go to the college of my dreams. It's my eighteenth birthday, and a man in black is at my door. I know he's not here to free me.

I know, because I can read minds.

My name is Sam, and this is my story.

So begins the tale of Sam and Drake--from the time they link minds, forging a bond that leads to an unconventional romance--to their fight for survival against the corrupt, twisted organization known as 'Rent-A-Kid.'

REVIEWS

Forbidden Mind

"...a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." ~ Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

"The plot is very ALIAS and DARK ANGEL-like with X-MEN as its backdrop (awesome combo!). Forbidden Mind BLEW my mind!" ~Sour Skittles Book Blog

Winner of 2011 Forward National Literature Award

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Forbidden Mind will be FREE Oct 2-6 on Amazon for launch of Forbidden Life.

EXCERPT

Forbidden Mind

The door to the studio hung open just a crack, and angry screams assaulted us as we approached. Luke and

Lucy looked to me as if I knew what was going on.?I shrugged my shoulders in the universal I've-got-no-freaking-idea way and crept to the door. I could have just

slipped into their minds, but listening to people talk both out load and mentally was hard to track and gave me a pretty big headache. At that moment, what they were saying, or rather screaming, to each other was more interesting.

We didn't want to budge the door and draw attention to ourselves, so Luke pushed his head through. He bobbed in and out so quickly I almost missed it. Being able to walk through anything was mighty handy at times.

I nudged him. "Well?"?"Higgins and Mr. K. They both look pretty pissed."?They sounded it too. I'd never heard Headmaster Higgins yell at any of the teachers, or students for that matter.

He wasn't a pushover by any stretch, but he'd always been levelheaded—until today.?Higgins shouted at Mr. K. "How could you enter her without permission from me? Do you realize what you've

done? This could ruin the school and everything we're doing here."

Was Higgins talking about me?

Mr. K replied with the same volume and anger. I could imagine the vein over his left eye bulging. "You have no idea how talented that girl is! She should be at the best art school in the world, not hidden here like a freak of nature. It's my job to make sure she has a future when she leaves this god-awful place, and I'm not letting you, or the people you work for, stand in my way. Or hers."

They must have been talking about me, but it made no sense. Why didn't Higgins want me entering the contest, and why did Mr. K hate this place so much?

"Don't you mean, the people we work for? They employ us both, and you'd do well to remember that, Mr. Krevner. Their reach extends beyond the gates of this school."

I couldn't believe it. Was the headmaster actually threatening my art teacher? What was going on?

"You will pull her from that competition and clean up the mess you've made, or your days here are numbered. Am I making myself clear?"

Something crashed into a wall, and my friends and I jumped back in surprise.

"Everything is very clear. You use her and her gifts, rent her and all these kids out to the highest bidder as spies. You make billions on these Rent-A-Kids, as they call themselves. And now you want to snuff her chance to shine doing what she truly loves? No. If you want to destroy her dreams, you can do it yourself. I'll have no part in it."

Footsteps approached the door. I tripped back, grabbed Luke and Lucy, and the three of us ducked around the corner of the building. I peeked out just as Mr. K stormed from the studio, his face bright red and contorted in anger. Not his best look.

Headmaster Higgins followed him out moments later. He adjusted his navy blue suit and plastered a calm mask over his face. His midnight black skin did not reveal his recent spike in blood pressure the same way that Mr. K's pasty complexion had, but the tight way he held his shoulders and the fists he made of his hands spoke to his anger.

Tears stung my eyes, and I swiped at them with the back of a hand still stained with splashes of paint. If they pulled me from the contest, hundreds of hours of hard work would be wasted, and my future would get flushed down the toilet. That couldn't happen!

When both men were gone, the three of us snuck into the studio and closed the door behind us. My enthusiasm had drained out of me like dirty bathtub water. I sniffled and wiped my traitorous eyes again.

Lucy put her arm around me. "Cheer up, Chica. We'll figure this out, I promise. They can't keep you from this, not after all the hard work you've done. And you'll be leaving for New York soon. Luke and I will join you there, and we'll make all of our dreams come true, just watch!"

I tried to smile, for her sake, but the smile didn't reach my eyes.?Luke rubbed my head as if I were his pet dog. "Where's this painting I've been hearing so little about?"?I swatted his hand and couldn't suppress a small, but genuine, smile. Luke could always cheer me: funny,

gorgeous, and so much like a brother it sucked.?"Over here." The canvas draped over my painting appeared undisturbed. A sigh of relief escaped me. At least

nothing had happened to it. "Close your eyes."?They both groaned but did as told.?Fear and nervousness buzzed through me as I pulled the canvas off. What if they hated it? What if everyone

hated it and my dreams of being a real artist died before they could even be born? My lungs clenched with stale breath and I exhaled before I got too dizzy. "Okay, you can look."

They stood there, jaws dropped, stunned into silence. They either hated it or totally loved it.?"Um, is this a bad or good silence?"?Lucy pulled her mouth closed and swallowed before she spoke. "O.M.G. Sam, this is the most incredible,

unbelievable thing I've ever seen in my life. You painted this?" "You like it?"

Her mental voice slammed into me. 'Would I lie to you? It's amazing!'

Relief flooded me even as I laughed at her joke. I could read minds, sure, but she was the human lie detector. No one dared lie to her.

Luke hugged me and whispered into my ear, "I'm so proud of you, Sam. This is truly epic!"

We stood there staring for several minutes. This painting represented so much about me, my life, my future... everything. I hated to leave it even for a minute, but my stomach protested its neglect with a loud rumble.

Luke grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's feed you. My treat."

With the buzz of success filling me, and Luke's hand in mind, I entertained a what-if. What if I could get past the whole brother thing with Luke? I took in his tall, well-defined frame, his dark hair and bright blue eyes. Gorgeous inside and out, but... nothing. No spark at all. Such a pity. Of all the guys at school, he was the only one I could even imagine being with, but I couldn't force the chemistry and neither could he.

We walked to dinner hand in hand, and I consoled myself with the fact that I had the best friends a girl could want. Not a bad consolation prize after all, and worth a hundred boyfriends.

GUEST POST

Lie to me, I dare you

A guest post by Lucy from The Forbidden Trilogy.

If you lie to me, I’ll know. I always know. Which is why it’s so shocking to me that I’ve been lied to my whole life and never knew until now.

My name is Lucy. I was raised in the Rent-A-Kid dorms, a secret school where kids with special para-powers are rented out to the highest bidder for spy work. Think X-Men, meets Dark Angel and Alias with a dark twist!

It took my best friend Sam meeting a strange boy who can control minds for us to start uncovering the truth. Sam reads minds, so I guess she always knows when people are lying too. Which, by the way, is most of the time.

Jaded? Me? Well, wouldn’t you be if you were dumped at a hospital with your twin brother when you were a baby and picked up by this place?

Yeah. You would.

But still, I have Sam and my twin Luke. We’ve always been there for each other.

I had serious reservations when Sam started mind linking with Drake. He had her questioning everything we ever believed. Not a healthy way to live if you ask me. But I gotta give him some credit. My shy little friend finally started getting herself a backbone! Score one for Drake.

It kinda sucks though, cuz they have to go through some serious hell to be together. I mean, literally, they spend the early part of their relationship in each other’s minds! No thanks! I’d rather have the flesh, ya know? But whateve. It worked for them. Mostly.

I don’t want to give too much away because you can read their story in “Forbidden Mind.” But basically, our eighteenth birthday does not offer us the freedom we had always believed and been promised.

Oh no. Not even close. In fact, quite the opposite. It’s disgusting really, what they do to us—to those like us. Human exploitation, just because we’re different. So what if I make you uncomfortable because you can’t lie to me as easily as you might some? Stop the damn lying and you’ll be fine!

But, humans are humans. And it seems a shadow side of the human condition that we’re so anxious to enslave each other and use each other for profit.

Someday I will find the people behind this whole operation and wipe my ass with their money—after I destroy everything they’ve built.

But first, you need to read about Sam and Drake. Don’t worry, I’m in it too! And you can look forward to more of me in Forbidden Fire and Forbidden Life.

I can promise you one thing; you’re in for a wild ride.

Don’t believe me? Would I lie to you? Ha! Check the books out for yourself if you don't believe. There are free samples of each!

In the meantime, think about what you say or think next, you never know when someone around you might have a para-power that could bust you!

BOOKMARKS

Sam

Luke

Lucy

Drake

POSTCARD

Sam

WANTED POSTER

Sam Smith

AUTHOR BIO

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.

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