Welcome to my stop on the Dystopian Giveaway Hop! WOOT!!

Do you guys love dystopian books? What's your favorite element? For me, it's seeing how things change and yet stay the same. You can always count on humans to be good or bad regardless of the setting, right?

What's up for grabs? For US, a print copy of Network Deserted. For INT, an ebook copy of Network Deserted! WOOT... wait, you want to know what it is? Pttfff... No fun!

Network Deserted is a YA Paranormal Dystopian book.

Blurb:

Sounds like a good read, something you wanna read right now? Give it to you! Wait, wait, wait. First, you need to follow is some way... on the right side of the blog you can find ALL the ways to follow. Pick one, two, or all... it's up to you. I'll enter you into the giveaway as many times as you feel like clicking the various things and filling out the forms! LOL. Leave me a comment with whether or not your US or INT and how you followed! That's it!

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY THE HOP!

Welcome to my stop on the Dark Lullaby blog tour! Make sure to check out the review! :) Make sure you check out the other stuff on my blog- there's a blog hop going with a $55 GC offered as the grand prize. Just click the blog hop image at the top right side for it! Thanks for coming by!

About the Book:

At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated out of his senses by her physical perfection as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. After a while, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her—her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience. 

The young woman, Kamilah, invites him to Rize, Turkey, where she claims her family owns a cottage in the woods. In spite of his heavy workload and the disturbing visions and nightmares about his sister’s baby that is due to be born soon, Gabriel agrees to go with her. 

But nothing, not even the stunning beauty of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of her nature. In a place where death dwells and illusion and reality seem as one, Gabriel must now come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister’s unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul.

Dream Realm Awards Finalist!

Reviews:

“Mayra Calvani is a masterful storyteller… Dark Lullaby is complex and compelling…” –Habitual Reader

“Dark Lullaby is an atmospheric paranormal horror that grips you from page one and refuses to let go until you’ve raced, breathless, to the end.” –ePinions

“Dark Lullaby is a page-turner. A horror story from the top shelf! You’ll love it.” –5 stars from Euro-Reviews

“This is a terrific horror…” –Harriet Klausner

“Dark Lullaby will capture you with its rich descriptions, its exotic location, and the need to uncover the dark secrets hidden within its pages.” –Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection

The Review:

This book is slammed pack full of stuff meant to keep you reading it. You've got twists and turns galore.  It is a great a horror book, the kind that I'm not supposed to read because it makes me stay awake for a week because suddenly the monster in the closet and under the bed have bred to make the ultimate scary monster and I know that it is going to eat me from the air duct directly over my bed. Don't judge! I'm a writer, my imagination works on overtime, all the time!

This is a great book filled with a good plot, great characters and it keeps your attention. It also freaks the heck out of you... ok, well, I know it freaked me out- some people aren't as freaked out by books as I am.

It's interesting to see the different angles that society normally hands us. I think Mayra did a great job!

I highly recommend this for the horror lovers out there. Great creepy read!

About the Author:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family.

ONLINE LINKS:

• Website www.MayraCalvani.com
  
• Blog www.thedarkphantom.wordpress.com
  
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mayra.calvani
  
• Twitter https://twitter.com/mcalvani
  
• Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/272703.Mayra_Calvani
  
• Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94529
  
  

Hey you guys! I got to product test

I was a little nervous about taking any diet-like pill. I have a few health issues that make me question what I do and do not put into my body. In truth, I just don't want to screw up what is already broken, ya know?

I took a chance on this one.Within the first week, I lost 5 lbs. This by itself was a total accomplishment- I'm just not good a losing weight! The weight stayed off, and I dropped a couple more lbs the following week.... then I got the worst cold in existence ever! I had to stop taking the pills. I noticed several things once I stopped.

1) I gained back some of the weight.
2) I didn't feel as good as I did when I was taking them- they have some great energy boosters in them.
3) I wanted to take them, but I've no idea what sort of reaction they'd have with things like Nyquil and the alike (I'd like to know more about this!).

That being said- I will totally start taking them again as soon as this cold goes away the rest of the way! I think that this product has a really good chance of not only helping me drop some weight (no pill will drop the weight for you!) and giving me the energy I need to make sure I keep it off and get healthier in the process!

I recommend this. I don't think it's a miracle pill that will magically melt your weight off. I do, however, think it is a great addition to exercise and good eating.

I had the awesome chance to review TruMoo- I was totally reluctant about this one!

One of the best things that a parent wants to hear is their kids asking for something that is good for them. When I first saw TruMoo, I thought it was just another glorified chocolate milk or worst- it would taste like a different kind of "chocolate milk" that I despised! But what I discovered because I had to taste it before I would let me kids go near it- it's delicious! It's smooth and tasty and you actually want to drink it.

My son was the first test subject (yes, I really did just say that!)... his reaction was a big thumbs up as he chugged the cup! When his dad went to the store later that day, he asked, "can you get some more of that smoothy, chocolately milk?" Clearly it was a hit with him!

My daughter absolutely fell in love with it! Cup, sippy cup, small individual serving she doesn't care- she loves it all!

TruMoo will be a new product that we have regularly in our house! I loved how they went the extra mile to make it more Halloweeny too! Halloween is my favorite holiday, so any company that goes that little extra distance to make it special- I am 100% for!

If you're reluctant to get a flavored milk- like I was- don't be. This doesn't taste bad, it's great, kids love it, and it isn't overly expensive!

Make sure you click here for your chance to enter the AWESOME sweepstakes!

Hey everyone! Today I'm bringing you a review of Buycostumes.com's Big Bad Sexy Wolf Adult costume. I'm not sure if they are offering the regular size any more, but you can still get the plus size.

Yep, that's a tail! :)

Impressions:

It's cute... but really short! I have it pulled down as far as possible on those shots and it's still showing the thicker part of the leggings. As a mom, it's really hard to think that I should be wearing something so short! It is definitely the kind of thing that you have to wear something under. If I were bending over in those pictures, you'd see the full under carriage going on there.

The boot covers will only work if you have like skin tight boots. I personally own a pair of boots that are trimmed in fuzzy at the top and around the laces, so they work perfect for the look... but if you wanted to use the covers, you'd need something that was already tight. They wouldn't work with sneakers- maybe some flats?

The "fur" on the trim is a little scratchy. But you don't really notice it. It doesn't really go on your face or anything. I would've like the hood to be a little deeper. If I move too much it falls right back.

It fits well... just short- which is funny coming from someone that is only 5'2". I'm a busty girl and the zipper had no issues going up and over. I didn't feel it was cut too low- if you want that effect, you can just slap on a push up and volia instant cleavage.

Overall, the only thing that makes me nuts is the shortness. But I liked it.

Welcome to my stop on the Children of the Knight blog tour! Make sure you check out this really cool book and my review. Oh, and if you want a chance to win a GC click the Quarterly Blog Hop picture on the top right. :)

About the Book:

According to legend, King Arthur is supposed to return when Britain needs him most. So why does a man claiming to be the once and future king suddenly appear in modern-day Los Angeles?

This charismatic young Arthur creates a new Camelot within the City of Angels to lead a crusade of unwanted kids against an adult society that discards and ignores them. Under his banner of equality, every needy child is welcome, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or gang affiliation.

With the help of his amazing First Knight, homeless fourteen-year-old Lance, Arthur transforms this ragtag band of rejected children and teens into a well-trained army—the Children of the Knight. Through his intervention, they win the hearts and minds of the populace at large, and gain a truer understanding of themselves and their worth to society. But seeking more rights for kids pits Arthur and his children squarely against the rich, the influential, and the self-satisfied politicians who want nothing more than to maintain the status quo.

Can right truly overcome might? Arthur’s hopeful young knights are about to find out, and the City of Angels will never be the same.

My review:

This isn't your everyday YA read. Nor is it an everyday past meets present kind of book. Michael has done something magical. He's created a world in a place that truly is as bad as the book makes it out to be, and tried to put a new light into it.

This is the kind of book that really makes me wish that what we do as writers could transcend to real life. The thought of cleaning up the streets of the scarier, realer, harsher parts of Los Angeles or any major city with the written word would be amazing.

I obviously liked the story and concept. I felt like Michael did a great job at keeping to the original ways of a knight... although our dear knight in shining armor did seem to take everything with a grain of salt. I think I would've freaked the heck out if something like that happened to me. But I never knew Merlin or of a destiny to help a place that would one day need it... as cryptic as that sounds.

And man, did I fall in love with Lance. What a great kid just trying to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. Yep, Michael has done a fabulous job of crafting real characters. The kind that when you finish the book, that you have an investment in. You want things to work out for them and for the happily ever after to exist in some way. Shouldn't the good guys get the day in the end?

I totally recommend this book for those of you that love YA books that have heart, for those of you that enjoy books where the past merges to the future, and a book that has hope.

About the Author:


Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of three novels––A Boy and His Dragon, A Matter of Time, and Children of the Knight––who grew up in San Rafael, California.

He majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University and earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount and another master's in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills.

He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films, including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and “Things II,” the reviews of which are much more fun than the actual movies. Ha!

He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for twenty-five years, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook.

He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to seven different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a nearly thirty-year volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles.  He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, something that is sorely lacking in this state.

He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and National Big Brother of the Year. The “National” honor allowed he and three of his Little Brothers to visit the White House and meet the president in the Oval Office.

He has already completed the two continuations of Children of the Knight entitled Running Through A Dark Place & And The Children Shall Lead, and plans to release both in 2014.

ONLINE LINKS:

• Website  http://www.michaeljbowler.com/
  
  
• Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/michaeljbowlerauthor
  
  
• Twitter  https://twitter.com/BradleyWallaceM
  
  

About the Book:

One bullet is all it took to transform eighteen-year-old New Yorker Jordan Amador into the last hope for souls of the dead. However, it also transformed her into a cantankerous asocial waitress with a drinking problem.

Jordan accidentally shot and killed a Seer: a person who can communicate with ghosts, angels, and demons. Worse still, she did so on the eve of her own awakening, making her the last Seer on Earth with no one to guide her. As penance, God gives her two years to help one hundred souls with unfinished business cross over from Earth to the afterlife or she will go to Hell. Just as she approaches the deadline, Jordan finds her hundredth soul: a smart-mouthed poltergeist named Michael whose ability to physically touch things makes him distinct from her usual encounters with the dead. However, the deeper she delves solving his sudden death, the more she realizes something sinister is on the horizon. 

With time running short, Jordan stumbles across a plot that may unravel the fragile balance among Heaven, Hell, and Earth. Her life is plunged into chaos as she is hunted by demons that want to use her valuable Seer blood to bring about the end of the world and discovers that these creatures have a frightening connection to her family bloodline. Plus, the budding romance between Jordan and Michael makes it harder for them to let go of each other so he can become part of the eternal black parade.

Excerpt Just For My Readers:

A voice spoke directly into my left ear. “Looking for someone, my dear?”

A cold shock went up my spine. I whirled around, fists raised, only to stand there stupefied by the sight before me. There stood a Japanese man in a black tuxedo and matching gloves, smiling at me. It was the man from my nightmare. I hadn’t even remembered it until I saw that pale face of his again.

“You…no, that’s not possible,” I whispered, my arms dropping to my sides like deadweight.

The man tilted his head at an angle.  “Whatever do you mean, my pet?”

I shook my head. “You can’t be real. That was just a dream.”

“I assure you, Jordan. I am quite real. And like in the dream, I am in need of your assistance.”

“Why? You’re not dead, are you?” I glanced down. Polished dress shoes adorned his feet. The man chuckled, a sound that crawled up my spine like a feather being drawn along my skin. I shuddered.

“Not at all. I am here to offer you a choice.”

My throat went dry. Fear welled up from inside my chest where my heart thundered from the adrenaline.

“What choice?”

“I know the deepest desires of your heart, Jordan,” the man said in his most soothing voice. “You long to be freed of this burden of trafficking souls. You want to live your life free of the Father’s bonds. I can help you take back your life.”

I slipped my hand into the pocket of my duster and gripped the rosary tightly. Everything finally clicked into place.

“Nice offer, but no thank you…demon.”

His eyes narrowed. Another wave of fear washed over me as he glared with those slit-shaped pupils that reminded me of some sort of reptile. I thought he was getting angry but he merely started to chuckle again.

“Well played, my dear. I am indeed under the employ of the Fallen One. Unfortunately, your refusal is unacceptable. I’m afraid I will have to remove you from this alley by force.”

He stepped towards me, still smiling like a serpent. “You may scream if you like.”

I took a deep breath and withdrew my hand from my pocket. “That won’t be necessary.”

I slammed my fist into his stomach with the cross lying across my knuckles. He hissed, pitching forward. Ignoring the pain crackling through my right hand, I kneed him in the chin and then brought the same fist across the side of his face. The force of the blow knocked the demon into the left wall of the alley, doubled over, nursing the wounds. He was still too close to the end of alleyway. As soon as I made a break for it, he’d be able to grab me.

A sudden sound caught my attention. I thought the demon had been coughing. He was…laughing. I took a cautionary step back as he pushed off from the wall. Blood trickled down his chin as a wistful sigh escaped his lips. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt pain in this body. It’s quite delicious, I must say.”

Don’t panic. Stay calm. I tightened my jaw and spoke with confidence I didn’t feel in the least. “Want the second course?”

The demon lowered his hands from his stomach, allowing his voice to take an almost regretful tone. “As much as I do, I cannot stall the ceremony any longer.”

The humor drained out of his face, leaving it clear with malicious intent. I slid my left hand into the other pocket, gripping the vials of holy water. As soon as he stepped forward, I threw two of them at him. He dodged to the right almost effortlessly. I brought my fist up again, but then he vanished. Too late, I felt his breath on the nape of my neck. A horrible, vise-like grip wrapped around my right arm. He twisted it behind my back and slammed me face-first into the brick wall. The vicious blow stunned me. Blood dripped down my forehead, hot and thick.

He ripped the rosary from my sore knuckles and tore off the duster. The demon held my arms behind my back with one hand, sliding the other around my throat and squeezing. I gagged, struggling with every muscle in my body, but to no avail. Tears overflowed down my face as the last gasps of air escaped my mouth.

“You could have made this so much easier on yourself,” the demon murmured against my ear. “Then again, that is what I like about you, dear Jordan. You’re a fighter.”

The world bled out of my eyes and darkness pooled in its place.

The Review:

I read a lot. Something about being a writer and reading. This book has a lot of elements from other books, but somehow they all work. I really enjoyed the way that it was all put together.

You totally feel for Jordan- no one asks to have such a huge load dropped on them and the ultimate price will be paid if she can't pay up and get everything done. I felt like the reader got to see her grow along the way- which made it way easier to connect to the story. You can see how the writer was really trying to show how Jordan was different from those around her... there were moments when you kind of want to walk away from her because of the way she treats people around her.

I'm not a huge angels/demons/that kind of book reader- but I thought it was done in a good way. It was definitely an interesting read that opened a new world around me.

This is a great read for those that like urban fantasy, angels, seers that sort of stuff. It's a good read with a little bit of everything in it for everyone.

About the Author:

Kyoko M is an author, a fangirl, and an avid book reader.

Her debut novel, The Black Parade, made it through the first round of Amazon's 2013 Breakthrough Novel Contest. She participated and completed the 2011 National Novel Writing Month competition. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Lit degree from the University of Georgia, which gave her every valid excuse to devour book after book with a concentration in Greek mythology and Christian mythology.

When not working feverishly on a manuscript (or two), she can be found buried under her Dashboard on Tumblr, or chatting with fellow nerds on Twitter, or curled up with a good Harry Dresden novel on a warm central Florida night. Like any author, she wants nothing more than to contribute something great to the best profession in the world, no matter how small.

Website: http://www.shewhowritesmonsters.com
Blog: http://www.shewhowritesmonsters.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/misskyokom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/She-Who-Writes-Monsters/161227150647087
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7189997.Kyoko_M_

Welcome one and all to the FIRST of many Quarterly Book Release Blog Hops! WOO HOO! This one is all about releases for the last three months! WOOT! I happen to have had one this month! YEAH! Wanna know about it? YOU DO?!

Wait, wait I'm getting ahead of myself as usual! So what is so AWESOME about this hop! Well, there are 19 of us! That's right, only 19, but that means you can hit EVERY ONE OF THEM! Each blog is doing their own giveaway, plus there is a GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY for the entire HOP! WOOT

You could win a $55 Amazon GC (Open to international readers!) or a swag pack (ebooks for international winners, the pack for a US/CA winner!).

What can you win from my site? Something awesome. It's a surprise! :) Open to EVERYONE!

Now, since this is October, and my FAVORITE holiday is this month. I decided to make a collection of urban legends (this was a HUGE task for me because I am hide under the covers kind of chicken scared), so I put together 13 common urban legends and expanded them. I turned them into more story reads than just the quick get your heart pumping!

Fun cover, right? If you're interested in a quick scare or just want to get into the spooky vibe that everyone should have around this time of year... grab a copy!

Now on to the giveaways! Make sure you enter both and follow the hop!

My giveway:

The GRAND PRIZE giveaway:

Welcome to my stop on the Hollow's End Blog Tour! Make sure you check out my review and look around my blog, there are some great giveaways going!

About the Book:

The dark water of the Hudson River isn’t the only blackness looming in the distance of the quaint river town of Sleepy Hollow. Two hundred years of secrets and lies are bleeding into the present, and high school seniors, Hunter Morrissey and Rowen Corbett, find themselves linked with unseen forces shrouded in mystery and violence.

Truths, buried and long forgotten, have risen at a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Only Hunter and Rowen hold the key to locking the past in the past, and setting old wrongs to right. Can justice be served? Can the two find a way to straddle both worlds and solve the mystery when they don’t understand the clues?


Inspired by historical events that surround the village of Sleepy Hollow and the famous legend that shares its name, this Young Adult Horror takes you on a journey full of history and suspense with a splash of romance and the paranormal.

The Review:

 I really liked this book. I captured a lot of the typical teen figures that we come across in real life, which is more often than not hard to do.

I loved Rowen and Hunter.  The placement of the characters and the different lives that they've lived just to be rejoined at this moment makes the story really work- all things happen for a reason.

I want to know what happens next... which is always a good thing when you're reading a series. This is the kind of story where you want to invest in the characters, the environment, the history- all of it. You want to see how it plays out. I hope that Marianne continues to write and brings these stories to life!

I can't wait for the next one! This is a great read for all those that love paranormal books- especially those that are guarded in historical facts and findings! Of course, those that love Sleepy Hollow will enjoy this book as well!

Of course if Marianne needs a beta for this series, I'd be happy to volunteer!

About the Author:

I'm a New Yorker, born and bred, and for the most part my stories and my characters embody the grit and complexity of the city. An avid traveler, I use my experiences from around the world in all my books. There isn't a place my characters live or travel to that I haven't been myself.

Like most authors, my love affair with the written word started as a child with the books I read. Even today, I love to read almost as much as I love to write. My favorite stories are the ones that transport me, that bring me to places and introduce me to characters that leave me breathless...the ones that spark the fire of my imagination, allowing me to dream in the world of 'what if?'


I've always been a scribbler, and from the time I could write my name I've been making up stories. So it was no surprise when I earned degrees in both Journalism and Fine Art, but after working in the trenches of Madison Avenue as a Graphic Artist, I decided to do what I love most full time. Write.


In the meantime I am also a founding member and former President of The Paranormal Romance Guild, a not-for-profit organization for readers and authors of the genre...and when I'm not 'bichok' (but in a chair hands on keyboard), I'm spending time with my husband and our three kids, traveling to exciting, romantic places ...for inspiration, of course!

http://www.mariannemorea.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mariannemoreaauthor
https://twitter.com/MarianneMorea
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4228374.Marianne_Morea

Welcome to my stop on the Cover Reveal! Enjoy! Oh, and check out my blog for some of the other giveaways and tours I have going on.

About the Book:


Sometimes, the ones you least suspect are the ones that should worry you the most.

People aren’t always what they seem, as Red has experienced all too well. Strangers are feared, towns are avoided, and everyone’s intentions are scrutinized… even those of the people closest to her. Her coveted ability has been revealed to far too many people, and now that a tiny heartbeat thumps and grows beneath her own, the risk has never been greater.

As the group of ten searches for a safe haven, a place to finally call home, the sobering reality of it all finally settles over them: nowhere is safe, nothing is permanent, and death is everywhere. One by one, Red’s reluctant posse grows smaller, as death claims some, and circumstance claims others.

It couldn’t be a worse time to bring a newborn into the world… but the baby is coming.

About the Author:


I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author. For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

ONLINE LINKS:

Website: www.angelascottauthor.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AngelaScottWriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ascott_author

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AngelaScott