Blog Tour Guest Post with LK Rigel & Giveaway

I'm very pleased to have LK Rigel stop by with a guest post while on her Bleeder book tour with The Bookish Snob Promotions. Bleeder is book three in LK's Apocalypto series and definitely sounds like a great read! Be sure to enter below for a chance to win an ecopy of Bleeder and check out how you can win a $100 gift certificate from Amazon or B&N!

LK Rigel lives in California with her cat, Coleridge. She was once a singing waitress, scored the independent science fantasy karate movie Lucid Dreams, and was a reporter for the Sacramento Rock 'N Roll News. Her BA is in humanities and religious studies. Her work has appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway. Her short story "Slurp" will appear in Anne Frasier's 2011 Halloween anthology Deadly Treats published by Nodin Press.

Thank you so much for hosting Bleeder today at P.S. I Love Books. I’m so glad to be here for a guest post.

One of the more mysterious characters in Bleeder is Father Jesse, a charismatic priest of Samael who Asherah calls a hybrid. I found the journal he kept during his asylum in Red City, and I thought I’d share a particularly interesting passage here today:

Red City. Sanguibahd. I thought it would be hell living here among these females, vessels of Asherah. Abominations. Instead, these bleeders and chalices are so ridiculous that my heart bursts with greater love for my god, Samael.

The girls are silly creatures who care for nothing but their dogs or what delightful new fruit or grain has arrived for their pleasure, gifts from some Concord city desperate to be noticed.

Those cities are fools to part with such precious resources. In the end, a chalice is bought by one thing only: Money. They all consider the coffees and honey candies their due.

Yes, the girls are silly. But the women are worse, entitled and vain. They walk around in public half naked, displaying the service marks tattooed on arms and thighs and breasts and backsides. There is no shame in any of them – and why should there be?

Their bodies are the instruments of their power. Of course they flaunt themselves.

I will allow that Ninshubur is different. Whenever l see her laughing eyes, my human side feels stronger. More alive.

[Here a sentence is scratched out. I can make out: wonder … would be like to be completely human.]

The proofs say that before her tragedy she was the most wanton of them all, but I’ve never seen her anything but modest. Well, except for her comment at the trial. Shocking! To suggest the seed of Garrick could be evil! I cannot account for it, unless it was her grief speaking.
I pains me that such a playful, light-hearted creature could feel so much pain.
She is modest and proper now but, like all the chalices, she abuses me regularly. At times I believe she mocks Samael himself. Her teasing is not humorous.

Perhaps she is the reason Samael sent me here. That’s it! I am here in this godforsaken Babylon to save Ninshubur from that demon Asherah, bring her over to my Samael’s love.

The page for that day ends here. But something tells me there will be more about Father Jesse and Nin in future stories.

To win an ecopy of Bleeder simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends August 11th

Open Worldwide

Stop by LK's site for a hint to my stop's question!

Can't wait and want to purchase a copy of Bleeder??

Click one of the links below!

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Next Stop on Tour : Urbangirl Reader

Blog Tour Review: Warrior Reborn

Warrior Reborn

KH LeMoyne

Series or Stand Alone: The Guardians of Eden series, book two

Release Date: April 2011

Publisher: Digital Crystal Press

Pages: 290 (e-book)

Author Site: http://www.khlemoyne.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from The Bookish Snob Promotions

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

They are the Guardians of Eden; each created with a unique supernatural talent.

Having successfully hidden her abilities from humans for two hundred years, Briet quietly applies the gifts of cellular-level vision to help patients in need. Until she meets her human soul-mate, Jason Ballard.

Jason holds the reigns to the protocol Briet’s patients’ need for recovery. But can she trust a man all too human and grounded in his world to understand hers, much less believe her? When a deadly threat targets her patients, he is the only one she trusts to help stop an evil only the two of them can fight.

Jason has a perfect success rate for delivering of new drugs from test-to-market. Used to influencing people, rules and guidelines delineate every facet of his professional and personal life. The last thing he expects is to be tempted to waiver by the new spitfire doctor on his latest test team. Especially as she starts stirring up issues. Dangerous issues. Issues flagging jeopardy for the lives of the children in the test. Issues the drug manufacturer, his employer, would prefer be ignored. An unacceptable outcome, forcing Jason to walk a dangerous line between job and conscience as he plunges with Briet to ferret out the twisted scheme in time to save her patients.

Review:

I have such a soft spot for paranormal books that involve the topic of soul mates. It was actually Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series that started my love for paranormal romance. Her Carpathian series is very big about lifemates and finding one’s other half. The Guardians of Eden series reminds me of the Carpathians but only in the soul mate aspect of the stories. KH LeMoyne’s Guardians are very different from the Carpathians. I might have even enjoyed the Guardians and their unique characteristics a little bit more than my beloved Carpathians. I’ll have to read more of the series to make a conclusive decision but I’m really looking forward to more of LeMoyen’s writing and her Guardians.

Warrior Reborn is the second in the Guardian of Eden series and is fine to start if you haven’t read the first book, even for those like me who anally like to read things in order. Briet is a very compassionate female lead. She cares so much for the children she works with as a doctor in the human world. Her unique Guardian ability to see the human body at the molecular level helps in her current work in a new drug trial in treating cancer. I knew from the very beginning when she started questioning her findings that it was going to cause trouble for her.

Jason more or less manages the drug trial for the pharmaceutical company. Briet realizes very early on that he is her mate and struggles with how to let Jason know. Jason’s past and his personality make Briet hesitate on whether he’ll be able to accept the reality of the Guardians. I thought it admirable that Briet was willing to sacrifice so much for Jason. And watching Jason slowly come to terms with his feelings towards Briet was very satisfying.

Ansgar, who is a Guardian himself, is Briet’s very overprotective brother but his actions are both understandable and sometimes warranted. Although Briet is very independent she can be forgetful and somewhat reckless at times. Ansgar is a very nice contrast to Briet’s personality and the obvious love between the two is a nice addition to Briet’s story. I’m actually really looking forward to Ansgar’s story…whenever that may come around =)

Warrior Reborn was a great surprise of a read. While the writing wasn’t always spot on for me I found the style, characters, and storyline very enjoyable. I think I’m really going to like The Guardian of Eden series. I’ll be going back to read Turen (the newly proclaimed leader of the Guardians) story and I can’t wait to read Tsu’s story which should be book 3. I can see a lot of people coming to really like the unique aspects of KH LeMoyne’s Guardians. I know I certainly do!

P.S. (cover talk)

I like that the cover depicts Briet. The cover model is gorgeous and I like that it goes well with book one’s cover.

Blog Tour Q&A with KH LeMoyne & Giveaway

Please join me in welcoming author KH LeMoyne to P.S. I Love Books!

KH LeMoyne was born into a naval family, experiencing total emersion in Spanish kindergarten in Rota, Spain. Her childhood of migrating up and down the eastern US seaboard, with hops from California to Arizona to Virginia, inspired her love of stories and myth. After fifteen years as an Information Systems professional, she now writes full time in romance: fantasy, futuristic and paranormal and straight urban fantasy under another pseudonym. She lives in Maryland with her wonderful husband and a pair of corgis. Much to her dismay, she rarely encounters supernatural beings other than on paper.


KH Lemoyne’s current series books Betrayal’s Shadow, Warrior Reborn, XX and Return of the Legacyare available in eBook, with paperback editions coming late summer. She is currently finishing the second in the Phoenix series, Shepherd, (due for release in August). You can find out more about her books at http://www.khlemoyne.com/ and her blog: http://khlemoyne.wordpress.com/

Welcome KH! I appreciate you taking the time out to visit P.S. I Love Books while on your blog tour.
Mishel, thank you for having me here to interact with you and your blog readers.

Can you tell us a little bit about your Guardian of Eden series and its newest release Warrior Reborn?

I’ve often wondered if we humans haven’t had help at critical times in our development. Out of those musings the Guardians of Eden were born. They are a race originated in the same Eden as Adam and Eve. They are bound in a covenant to ensure the evolution of mankind, each Guardian child releasing the souls for mankind’s spiritual well-being. However, their race is composed of a finite group of people, representing segments of humanity from all over the world. Each adult Guardian in a generation is gifted with a unique power. Compliance with the covenant rewards each Guardian with a mate with whom they share a soul for eternity.

And life was good, until two hundred years before the series starts chronicling the Guardians. A plague killed most of the adult Guardians on earth. The children under the age of maturity were sent back to the Sanctum in Eden for their protection. It was children raising children. Not only has much of their history been lost, but now as adults they’ve are unable to find mates within their race, and the curse of the plague still hovers over them.

Warrior Reborn launches with one of the feistier of the Guardians, Briet. Hiding in plain sight among humans, she utilizes her skills of DNA level visibility in her role as a doctor in pediatric clinic trials. And despite her intelligence and tenacity, Briet is a beacon for trouble. It is Jason Ballard’s job as the project manager for the clinical trial to keep an eye on all of his doctors and participants, but he is forced to go beyond anything he’s ever imagined to safeguard Briet’s contribution to the project, as well as keep her alive.

What was one of your favorite and least favorite things about writing it?
Most favorite: I enjoy creating the supernatural world, researching for the mythic storyline, and mapping character personalities, names, and back-story to fit each Guardian in the series. Least favorite: Writing about children as victims of cancer because the reality saddens me.

Which of the characters did you enjoy working with the most?
I enjoyed working with Jason’s introduction to Briet’s power of DNA level vision. Each of the powers is fun to twist and depict in vivid pictures for the reader. However, I have to admit I love working with Ansgar’s character, Briet’s brother. He takes form so clearly in my mind and I keep refining the overall characteristics of the woman who will ultimately challenge him to settled down and come to peace with the Guardian coexistence with humanity.

If you had the chance to do it all over again would you change anything in Warrior Reborn?

I suspect I would keep editing and editing and editing. I’ve been told I obsess on this. In truth, I am pleased with the way Warrior Reborn turned out. It is much faster paced than book one in the Guardian series, but it is also very representative of the two main characters, Jason and Briet and their circumstances. And without giving away spoilers, I’ve been working on the book 3, Destiny’s Mark and Tsu’s book, and I’m happy to say both Jason and Briet make an appearance in that story. I enjoy having a continuity of characters across the storylines but definitely have to work to keep the compelling secondary characters from taking over with their own strong personalities.

What do you think of the cover?

I worked with a wonderful cover designer, Robin Ludwig and am very happy with the cover for Warrior Reborn. It took a lot of work searching for the right representation of Briet and a representation of her power, but the image correlates to the character very well. Robin does an incredible job putting together something beautiful from my rather random snippets of specifications. Actually, each of the Guardian book covers share components of design, with books one through three all depicted on my blog site at http://khlemoyne.wordpress.com/the-guardians-of-eden/. Each cover hosts the actual Guardian on the front (I anticipate having their mate on the back cover of the paperback editions), as well as each Guardian power highlighted in the circle at the bottom of the cover. It’s a form of branding the series.

If The Guardian of Eden series were made into a movie who would be your ideal cast for the main characters?

What a fun exercise. I have images in my mind of what the characters would look like, and snippets from internet pictures, but I’ve never used actors. So here’s who I think would be great: Briet Hyden – Emma Watson with blonde hair (bright, smart, pixie – yep that’s her), Jason Ballard – Zac Efron (yep, dark hair, blue eyes and soft spoken), Ansgar - Adam Copeland (no doubt about it – just give him a long blond braid. He already has enough wonderful attitude!), Tsu – Brian Tee (he was my vision for Tsu when I saw him in an episode of Bones).

If you could write a book about absolutely anything with any other author (dead or alive) what would it be about and who would you choose?

Actually that’s a very interesting question. I find the idea of writing with someone else to be …difficult. But for that reason it would be a great challenge. I have had some discussions with my critique partner about writing a romantic fantasy suspense story where each of us would alternate writing a chapter with one of our existing characters. That hasn’t come to fruition yet, because we both have a huge list of stories to finish on our own, but I’d love to try it with her someday.

If you didn’t have a passion for writing books what do you think you’d be doing as a career?

Actually, I changed from a career in telecommunications and systems development to write! So, I’d have to say that I’m doing what I love. However, if I had the talent I would enjoy augmenting writing with drawing and artwork. Unfortunately, my best attempt would be stick figures so I’ll stick with painting pictures with words.

I’m always looking for books to add to my ginormous TBR (to be read) pile. What books are you currently reading or have read recently? Any good recommendations?

In paper, I’m currently reading Game of Cages by Harry Connolly, and waiting for the new Harry Dresden book, Ghost Story. On my kindle, I’m finishing LJ DeLeon’s, Absolution and determined to finish The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

What are some of your favorite things to do when given a break from the writing life and other work-related things?

I spend time with my family and my DH and I both love to read. Even in the midst of projects, I try to read a little every day, though not in the genre I’m writing at the time. It’s handy that our new corgi puppy likes to nap with me while I read!

Are you currently working on any projects that we may see from you in the future?

I am finishing the second book, Shepherd, from my futuristic/cyberpunk series which is due for August/September delivery. Then I’ll be continuing work on book three of the Guardian series, Tsu’s book: Destiny’s Mark.

Thank you so much for stopping by KH! Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

My new releases, extras for my books, and excerpts can be found at my website: http://www.khlemoyne.com/
and my blog: http://khlemoyne.wordpress.com/ . And to all of you reading this interview please don’t forget to visit my blog site and sign up for the final prizes for the Warrior Reborn tour.

Want to win an ebook copy courtesy of the lovely KH LeMoyne?

Simply fill out this form to enter!

Giveaway ends July29th!

Open Worldwide

**be sure to check out KH's blog for her final stop!**

Can't wait and want to purchase a copy of Warrior Reborn??

Click one of the links below!

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Amazon

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Next Stop on Tour : The Bookish Snob

Giveaway Blitz: Accidental Abduction

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

I have an ecopy of Accidental Abduction up for grabs courtesy of the lovely Eve Langlais!

Simply fill out this form to enter!

Giveaway ends June 12th.

Open Worldwide

Synopsis:

Abducted by a space pirate, she fights the temptation to let him plunder her goods.

A boyfriend’s attempted murder leaves Megan floundering in the ocean. Sinking without hope, the bright light she sees in the night sky isn’t her doorway to heaven, but rather the beginning of her accidental abduction by a space pirate. While thankful of his rescue, Megan stays true to form and just can’t keep her mouth shut, even when he keeps threatening to kill her--or auction her off to the highest bidder. Even odder, despite her decision to not get involved with her wickedly hot captor, she can’t help craving his touch.

Tren retired from his job as a mercenary so he could enjoy life, but he never counted on the boredom of normalcy. The acquisition of rare items has somewhat filled the void, but his accidental abduction of an outspoken earthling, who doesn’t know when to shut up, turns his life upside. Her fiery spirit draws him while at the same time drives him insane. Struggling with his urges, he must decide-- throttle her barbarian neck or ravish her delectably lush body?

Despite what his heart tries to tell him, he’s determined to sell her to the highest bidder even as he seduces her body. However, despite his best intentions, he discovers he can’t let her go. And when a foe from his past thinks to steal her, he’ll do anything to get her back

About Eve:

So you want to know a little about me? Well, I'm in my mid thirties, married 11 years to a wonderful supportive man--yes, he's a hunk-- who gave me three beautiful--noisy-- children aged ten, seven and four. I work as a webmistress/customer service rep from home and in my spare time--of which there is tragically too little-- I write, read or Wii.

I was born in British Columbia, but being a military brat lived a little bit everywhere--Quebec, New Brunswick, Labrador, Virginia (USA) and finally Ontario. My family and I currently reside in the historic town of Bowmanville, about an hour or so out of Toronto.

Wow was that ever boring!!! Now for the fun stuff.

I'm writing fantasy the way I like it--hot with a touch of magic. I enjoy reading and writing stories that push the envelope of what we consider normal, and I love to cross the line into fantasy. I tend to have alot of sexual tension in my tales as I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. My heroes are very male, you could even say border line chest thumping at times. So if you want a truly sensitive man, I am not for you. But that said, my men will do almost anything for the one they love. Even babysit.

I'd love to tell you more, but judging from the sounds in the living room the children are at it again, which means I'll need a mop and loads of patience. What I really need is a robot maid like Jane Jetson! Thanks for checking me out and hope to see you again soon.

Be sure to visit all the other wonderful blogs on the Giveaway Blitz for more chances to win a copy of Accidental Abduction.

Review: Faustine

Faustine

Imogen Rose

Series or Stand Alone: The Bonfire Chronicles series, book one

Release Date: February 2011

Publisher: Imogen Rose

Pages: 322 (ebook)

Author Site: http://www.imogenrose.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from The Bookish Snob Promotions

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Who is Faustine? When Faustine Spencer was five years old, she discovered a secret that changed her life forever. At twelve, her parents sent her to Bonfire Academy in Switzerland to ensure that she received the training needed to control her increasing powers.

Three years later, Faustine returns to Manhattan. All she wants is to be a typical teenager, at least, one that’s part of the in-crowd at her Upper East Side High School. When drop-dead gorgeous Ryker, her long-time crush from the Academy, finally notices her, she couldn’t be happier.

However, her desire for a normal life is shattered when her father, a prominent sovereign, disappears after naming her as his successor. Her siblings begin to disappear, and Faustine finds herself in the midst of a power struggle. With her life in danger, Faustine must learn to follow one of Bonfire Academy’s most important rules: Trust no one.




 

Review:

I’m definitely not one for spoilers and since the synopsis leaves so much of the story out I’m afraid I won’t be able to really go into detail about Faustine. I can say that the story is absolutely packed with paranormal creatures and they are used in ways I have yet to come across. I am really amazed at the creative story Imogen Rose has created. Faustine is fifteen years old and has just returned from Bonfire Academy. She’s been there for three years learning how to harness and control her growing powers. Now that she’s back in Manhattan with her mother and best friend Neave, she’s looking forward to going to school as a normal teenage socialite.

But normalcy is definitely not an option when she learns that her father has disappeared and she’s next in line to rule in his position. Her entire world is flipped upside as she tries to figure out what to do in her position and try to keep the ones she cares about the most safe. Faustine just has to uphold the most important rule she learned at Bonfire Academy: Trust No One!

Although I couldn’t really relate to Faustine I enjoyed her sense of humor and the fact that she grew in maturity as the book went on. I must say there is an overwhelming number of characters that are introduced who are extremely interesting but almost a little too much to swallow. I love how complex the story is but sometimes things seemed forced together or a little too chaotic. Take for example Ryker and Faustine’s relationship. I love how cute they are together. There’s definitely more to Ryker’s character that I’m excited to learn about. But their relationship seemed very strained and slapped together with very little interaction. There wasn’t much time for feelings to develop or romance to grow. The two of them went to Bonfire Academy for two years together and after meeting in Manhattan they instantly became a couple. Eh, just a little too pushy, maybe…

Despite the cluttered number of characters I still loved the idea Imogen had. I wanted more of everything which was my major issue. There was so much going on that there wasn’t much time for a satisfying development in my opinion. I liked the mystery and loved all the creative paranormal aspects. But since I can’t really go into much detail I feel like my review is too vague. Simply put I really enjoyed Faustine! I will definitely be reading more in the Bonfire Chronicles and I was already planning on reading Imogen’s other YA series. Faustine is an excellent YA paranormal read that I know a lot of people will enjoy.

P.S. (cover talk)

I like it. I like the font choice and the fact that Faustine has red eyes…or eye for that matter =) (Trust me it ties into the story)

Q&A with Jools Sinclair & Giveaway

Please welcome author Jools Sinclair to P.S. I Love Books!








Jools Sinclair lives in Bend, Oregon. She is an avid reader, movie watcher, orange cat lover, Frye boot wearer and Komodo Dragon coffee drinker. She admits to having an intense passion for opera and loves faraway lands where espresso bars and pastry shops line the streets. Finally, she is absolutely crazy about her family, who in turn thinks she is absolutely crazy.

Welcome Jools! I appreciate you taking the time out to visit P.S. I Love Books while on your blog tour.

Hi Mishel and Friends! It’s my pleasure to be here and thank you so much for having me! You’ve got a fabulous blog and I was thrilled to be asked to join in the fun.

Can you tell us a little bit about your newest release 44?

44 is about 17-year-old Abby Craig who, after drowning in a lake, wakes up from death into a world she barely recognizes. She can’t see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there’s Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.

The book is about her journey of going through this transformation, having to adjust to the changes in her life with some paranormal events sprinkled in, of course! I think basically the story is about life and the changes we all face at one time or another. 

 What was one of your favorite and least favorite things about writing it?

One of my very favorite things about 44 was writing about Bend, Oregon. I used Bend as the setting, with a lot of its landmarks and popular locations. It was so much fun to do this! Bend is a small, fun city in Central Oregon with seven snow-capped mountains to the west and a flat desert to the east. The town has a lot of character and I loved being able to write about real events and the scenery. A river runs through it too, and it’s quite beautiful.

The least favorite thing about writing 44 wasgetting a solid first draft down. Writing is always about faith, especially in the beginning. Faith that there is a story worth telling.But once I’m able to get past those first 30,000 words or so, I get caught up and excited. And then, it really becomes fun, even though its hard work.

Which of the characters did you enjoy working with the most?

I loved writing about Abby, the main character. In the beginning, she is vulnerable, depressed and unsure because she has gone through this terrible, life-changing accident.And people are treating her strangely and she just can’t figure it out. But that’s because she doesn’t have all the pieces yet. It takes her a while to put everything together. She was a great character to write. She was very clear in my head and spoke easily.

If you had the chance to do it all over again would you change anything in 44?

I don’t think I would change anything. Maybe another revising, but nothing major. I’m pretty happy with it.I love Abby’s journey. It’s a classic mythological story, Abby being the herowho is on a journey that transforms her.

What do you think of the cover?

I absolutely love the cover! My artist showed it to me on one chilly morning and my heart started pounding hard! Seriously, I did have an emotional reaction, which I always think is a good sign.

When did you first realize that you wanted to write?

Age 5, Dragon Story, Sherman Oaks Elementary School!

If 44 was made into a movie who would be your ideal cast for the main characters?

I would definitely need some help on this one. Any suggestions from your fabulous blog readers?Abby is definitely a tomboy, low energy, slightly depressed. Kate, her sister, is a Type A personality, beautiful, andambitious. And Jesse, well, we would need someone very tall because he’s a basketball player!

 If you could write a book about absolutely anything with any other author (dead or alive) what would it be about and who would you choose?

Wow, Mishel, what a great question! Hands down, Ernest Hemingway.I’ve read every book and short story and The Old Man and the Sea is one of my all-time favorites.

I’m always looking for books to add to my ginormous TBR (to be read) pile. What books are you currently reading or have read recently? Any good recommendations?

OMG, I know what you mean about a ginormous TBR pile! My Kindle is stuffed with books just waiting to be read…. But, really, isn’t it the best?

I just finished Allison Karras’ Drowning in the Dark and loved it! It’s another paranormal book set in Oregon and it’s so well written and good. Also, JL Bryan’s Jenny Pox, Megg Jensen’s Anathema and Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant. I also love Stephen King,Aimee Bender and Richelle Mead.

What are some of your favorite things to do when given a break from the writing life and other work-related things?

Any and everything outdoors here in and around Bend! It’s the best of the best of the best for hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skiing and I try to get out and do all that as much as possible. Also, reading and cooking. And traveling. I love to travel.

Are you currently working on any projects that we may see from you in the future?

Yes, indeed! 44 goes on! Book 2 will be out in the summer. It’s going to be a trilogy, with Book 3 coming out in autumn.

Thank you so much for stopping by Jools! Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

Thank you so much, Mishel! Your blog is absolutely fabulous and I’ve bookmarked it and will checking in regularly. I’m always so appreciative of you book bloggers!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read 44 and for having me as a guest.

I have a blog of my own, but it’s new and basic…let’s just say that it’s a work in progress, so I imagine it can only get better. I would love for you and your readers to stop by and say hello!

http://joolssinclair44.blogspot.com/

Thanks again and happy reading!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Want to win an ebook copy courtesy of the lovely Jools Sinclair?

Simply fill out this form to enter!

Giveaway ends June 6th!

Open Worldwide

**be sure to check out Jools' website for her final stop!**

Can't wait and want to purchase a copy of 44??

Click one of the links below!

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

  

Next Stop on Tour : Star Shadow Blog

Review: 44

44

Jools Sinclair

Series or Stand Alone: 44 planned trilogy, book one

Release Date: March 2011

Publisher: You Come Too Publishing

Pages: 67

Author Site: http://joolssinclair44.blogspot.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from The Bookish Snob Promotions

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Last year after falling through the ice, seventeen-year-old Abby Craig woke up from death.

But she woke into a world she barely recognizes. She can’t see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there’s Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.

Just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, the visions begin. In them, she sees a faceless serial killer roaming the streets. While the police believe that there have been a lot of accidents in town lately, Abby knows differently. And she soon realizes that it’s up to her to find him.

But to stop him, she’ll have to confront more than just the killer. She’ll have to face something else that was lost in those dark waters. The truth.

In the tradition of Amanda Hocking, 44 is a thrilling paranormal romance mystery novel that keeps readers at the edge of their seats and glued to the very end. The ending will haunt you forever.

Review:

I was very taken aback at the detail 44 had since it barely came in at 67 pages. I worry with short novels and novellas because I feel like it’s never enough for me for some reason or another. But 44 was a lovely surprise! The characters were pretty much spot on. The story-telling was nicely paced and the plot was really entertaining. After Abby comes back to life after a drowning accident her entire world has changed. She’s lost the sight of color, a lot of her memories, and the friends she was once closest too. The only constants in her life are her best friend Jesse and her strong-willed sister Kate. She may be in love with Jesse but he’s crossed that bridge long ago and Abby failed to reciprocate his feelings. But despite the strained emotional tug Abby feels for Jesse he still remains to be the rock she leans on.

When terrible visions start to plague Abby she thinks everyone may be right about her: maybe she is just a freak. But then the visions turn out to be accurate and Abby knows there’s a deadly serial killer hunting the streets of her hometown and she may be the only one who can stop him…

It took a little bit of time for me to get to know and care about Abby. She’s extremely vulnerable and depressed in the beginning of the story. But it isn’t until she breaks from her shell and realizes how much courage she possesses that I really got a sense of who she was. I didn’t really understand why she was treated so horribly after she came back from her accident. I know people can be cruel for no reason but it still baffles me (both in reality and fiction) when people act cold and callous. Even after the ending I still didn’t really get why her friends (i.e. Amanda) starting acting so differently. There’s an obvious cause for Amanda’s dislike towards Abby but again, after the ending is revealed, I was still not okay with her behavior.

I was surprised at how much I liked Kate. I really loved how supportive she was for Abby. It was refreshing and I was happy Abby had someone like Kate in her life. Despite the fact that Kate can be impossibly stubborn she’s very smart. Jesse was great too although he was somewhat confusing with certain actions, but things pieced together like a frustrating puzzle at the end. It was very satisfying…well, not satisfying in the sense that the ending was what I wanted but I still liked how everything started making sense towards the end.

The serial killer part of the novel was interesting and a nice addition to the story. I can definitely see another book coming and Jools herself says she is planning on a trilogy for Abby. I’m excited to see what happens next for her. 44 is a very thrilling and enjoyable read surprised me in many ways. I definitely recommend it!

P.S. (cover talk)

I defnitely like the creepy feeling. The purple color...eh, not so much.

Q&A with Evelyn LaFont & Giveaway **CLOSED**

Please welcome author Evelyn LaFont to P.S. I Love Books!

Evelyn is a full time writer living in Florida with her perfect orange kitties and totally alpha hubby. Her debut paranormal romance series, The Vampire Relationship Guide, is a four-novella series that takes a satirical look at what it would be like if a clueless human chick really dated a vampire.

Welcome Evelyn! I appreciate you taking the time out to visit P.S. I Love Books while on your blog tour.

Thanks for having me!

Can you tell us a little bit about your book The Vampire Relationship Guide: Vol 1: Meeting and Mating?

The book takes a practical and satirical look at the paranormal romance genre while still giving good story. It’s about a woman named Josie who’s obsessed with having sex with a vampire. Vampires are “out” in her world, but up to this point, most of Josie’s vampire education has come from popular culture rather than vamps themselves. Unfortunately, this limited understanding works its way into some new relationships she develops and things get a little bit complicated.

What was one of your favorite and least favorite things about writing it?

My favorite thing was getting the story out so the characters could stop having conversations in my head. My least favorite…hmmm…typing. Lotsa typing.

Which of the characters did you enjoy working with the most?

I love Josie. She’s funny but a bit clueless and open (maybe too open), but not abrasive. She’s also willing to admit when she’s made a mistake. I also love writing Walker, he’s such an antagonist.

If you had the chance to do it all over again would you change anything in Volume 1?

I love this book, and I think it fits in perfectly with my plans for the next three in the series. That said, I think there are always things you wonder if you should have done differently.

What do you think of the cover?

I love my cover! The concept art that I submitted to the designer was…wow, it was terrible. It was a stick figure drawing that I had done in MS Paint of a man and a woman at a café table, the woman drinking coffee and the man drinking from a blood bag. It’s a great concept, but my sample was ridiculous. The cover designer (who I happen to be sleeping with, so I think I got special treatment) took the concept and ran with it, then bettered it. He used the Chilton car manuals as a model and created this worn looking cover like a beat up guidebook that some chick has referenced over and over. It’s fantastic.

*Evelyn's cover idea*

When did you first realize that you wanted to write?

I’d been writing corporate stuff for years before I decided to strike out on my own as a freelance writer. That happened after I wrote a few funny essays and realized that I could write for entertainment, not just sales and training stuff.

If The Vampire Relationship Guide was made into a movie who would be your ideal cast for the main characters?

I’m so scared to answer this question because I don’t want to ruin the mental picture readers develop of the characters. I know I’d want Kate Hudson as Josie, I think I see Ashley Judd as Alena…as for Walker and Gregory—I’ll let readers fill in their own blanks there.

If you could write a book about absolutely anything with any other author (dead or alive) what would it be about and who would you choose?

I would choose Marta Acosta because her books crack me up, and you gotta know it would be a vampire romance!

I’m always looking for books to add to my ginormous TBR (to be read) pile. What books are you currently reading or have read recently? Any good recommendations?

I’ll stay on point with the previous question and recommend Acosta’s Casa Dracula series. It’s funny, heartbreakingly romantic, and completely unexpected.

What are some of your favorite things to do when given a break from the writing life and other work-related things?

Would you believe me if I told you I’ve forgotten? I know I like watching movies and documentaries, laying on the beach, drinking…oh, and reading too!

Are you currently working on any projects that we may see from you in the future?

I’m pretty focused on getting the next three VRG novellas done, then I have another PNR series I’ll be starting and possibly some zombie chick lit—say what?

Thank you so much for stopping by Evelyn! Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

http://www.evelynlafont.wordpress.com/

Want to win an ebook copy courtesy of the lovely Evelyn LaFont?

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Giveaway ends May 24th!

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