Crush on CHBB

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Branded Blog Tour & Review




 
Title: Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
Genre: YA Dystopian Romance
Series: Book One of the Sinners Series
ARC provided by NetGalley
 
Summary:
Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadliest sins were the downfall of our society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me.   I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
Now, every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
 
 
 
My review for: Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson
 
Amazing. Fantastic. Heart-pumping, and brutal. These are just some of the words I would use to describe this very original dystopian novel. Heartbreaking at times and addictive from page one; Branded is one hell of a ride and it is one I will take over and over again. The depth of this story and how many twists and turns there are in it, it is a must read for any book lover. Even if this isn’t your usual genre, this book is a game changer! Trust me…you want to read this book!
 
In a world where justice lies in a single tyrant, the ‘guilty’ are marked and wrote off. These people are known as Sinners and their marks are a constant reminder that no one is safe and when you are marked you are forever convicted of that sin. There are seven deadly sins, each represented by a color and a discrimination. Instead of a prison system, they are nearly worked to death in the same matter as slaves would be. There is no justice when one man rules them all.
 
Lexi Hamilton has given up. There is nothing good left in the world now that her father was dead and she was more than ready to die along with him, but moments before she could commit suicide, they came for her. To mark her a whore even if the ruling was lie. She is sentenced to the Hole for the rest of her days.
 
Completely broken, she doesn’t fight back. What’s the point? No one can escape the Commander or his sadistic guards and what’s waiting for her in the Hole will change her whole life and possibly even her soul.
 
Cole is assigned to protect Lexi at all costs. When a beautiful girl is marked with LUST, there is nowhere that is safe for her. She is looked at as flesh and nothing more. And it doesn’t make his job any easier. To make matters worse, the more he learns about her the harder it becomes to disconnect from her. There is a pull there and it scares the hell out of them both. In a world where love is forbidden between the two castes, will they be able to deny the truth? Will there finally be a way to overthrow the Commander and save what’s left of humanity?
 
I cannot stress enough how truly incredible Branded is especially for a debut novel. Being unique in every way, I can honestly say you have never read anything quite like this before. With its vivid imagery both brutal and beautiful, Lexi’s story pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the very end and even then you are left wanting more. Bravo, Abi and Missy! This is clearly going to be a bestseller!
 

Authors Bio:
 
Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.
Links:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Cover Reveal: They Won't Shut Up by Cindy J. Smith

 
Blurb:
 Voices in my Head
Talk all of the time
To music I feel
They add rhythm and rhyme
 
Emotions take flight
Grief, despair and love
Heart seeks to find hope
On wings of a dove
 
Their view of this world
Both nature and man
New angle embellished
To help understand
 
Walk for a minute
In other guys shoes
See why they might feel
So lost and confused
 
Dreams, flights of fancy,
Sarcasm and light pun
Work through frustrations
To friendship and fun
 
Open myself wide
Feel pure empathy
See how this world could
With love, truly be
 
Listen with your soul
To songs that I share
May see way to change
This world if you dare.
 
 
 
Stalker Links:
 
 
About the Author
Cindy Smith was raised in upstate New York. She has worked a variety of jobs during her life--waitress, store associate, certified electronic technician. She is currently employed as an over-the-road truck driver. Cindy has lived is many states from Maine to Florida. She now resides in Indiana. Through all her experiences, she had voices in her head dictating poems. The voices would not relent until Cindy wrote the poems down. She invites you to eavesdrop.
 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Kim McNiel's Caleb Blog Tour

 
 
 

Synopsis:

Living a double life, Caleb is a hard-working and self-assured man, who doubles as an arrogant, cocky and womanizing prick. With his choices of women on a layaway plan, he’s never lonely.

Caleb believes he’s nailed the market on being the ultimate playa and never wonders what the consequences could be if Sarah, his live in, ever found out…until she does. When Sarah turns his life upside down, Caleb loses it and catastrophe follows not far behind.

When his world gets flipped right size up, he begins to realize the things that are really important to him. Although Caleb makes some ultimate sacrifices to save his pride, ego and relationship with Sarah, he still hides one very important secret.
 
  Excerpt:
 
Stopping at the florist on the way home, I pull in and pick up a dozen pink roses for Sarah. Yes, sucking ass big time.
Hey, if it works…then I’ll be all good. When I’m good, everyone is good. God forbid I get red roses, she’d want to run off to the fucking chapel. That isn’t going to happen to me, not in this lifetime anyways. I stroll in the house.
“I’m home babe,” I yell out, dropping the folder on the table.
“Upstairs,” Sarah yells back. I know this tone.
Skipping two steps at a time, I follow the circular staircase. I dodge the hanging chandelier with my head. Something else she had to have, forgetting I am well over six fucking feet tall.
“Hi darling, these are for you,” I hand her the flowers.
“Why? Because you slammed the phone down in my ear earlier?”
And…here we go! She’s such a bitchacoholic.
 
 
About the Author

Kim McNiel is a good ole' country girl at heart. She was born and raised in a small Texas town called Spring. As the mother of three, she spent most of her adult life dedicated to raising her family. With her children almost grown, she decided to fulfill her dream of writing. Her best friend, told her 'pen to paper sweetie, never give up, and never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T—‘ she heeded his advice and didn't. She writes contemporary and steamy romance and several memoir pieces on the back burner.
 
Stalker Links
 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Elite Blog Tour with the Fabulous Coey Cain





Blurb:
 
Everyone assumes that Joelie Baudelaire lives a charmed life. She has a generous benefactor in Warren Jardine, and a glamorous lifestyle in the exciting city of Las Vegas. Everyone is wrong.
 
When Warren is arrested, Joelie has the ability to escape the emotional jail he's held her captive in for two years. Her father's house should be her refuge, but it's another kind of prison altogether. All Joelie wants is a normal, peaceful life. Discovering that she is one of The World Elite, a genetically superior race, puts a whole new set of shackles on her life.
 
Her destiny is planned, and her future marriage is pre-arranged. While Joelie still remembers her childhood crush on the Elite, Sender Stelle, it isn't easy to accept a betrothal to a man she barely knows beyond his photograph.
 
Warren doesn't want to release his control over her. The World Elite would force her to fulfill her destined duty, and Sender has gone from resigned acceptance to benign co-operation with the powers that be.
 
Freedom is just out of reach. All Joelie must do is defy some of the most powerful people in the world, and survive.
 
 
 
 

My Q&A with the Amazing Coey Cain
 
Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made me you decide to go that route? And what made you decide on CHBB?

When I came onto the scene, CHBB and Vamptasy were two different companies, but I was under the impression they were the same. From the get-go, that’s the company I wanted to be with. I didn’t want my book sitting on a shelf, collecting dust and going unnoticed. I knew, without a doubt, these publishers would sell my book and get it noticed. The day I signed with Vamptasy, I knew my book was in the best hands possible.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Always write to please yourself. That’s the first bit of advice that comes to mind. It’s not a race or a competition. Don’t do it for the money, do it because you love it. I’m convinced that a person has to be a little insane to be a writer to begin with. There’s no sense in making yourself any crazier than you already are, so just write to make yourself happy.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

This is going to sound really bad… but I’m going to have to choose Danielle Steel. I, personally, don’t relate to any of her books. I’ve not been able to love anything I’ve ever read by her. I knew she was mega successful, a bestseller, and wicked rich by doing what she loved to do. That was my dream too and I respect her. I’ve always said, “I want to be the next Danielle Steel.” If she can do it, I can too.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?

All of my attention lately has been focused on The Elite II. It’s coming along rather nicely and I’ll be introducing some new characters, new problems, and some brand new Elites. One of which is sure to intrigue a lot of people. An Asian Albino and all-around Badass by the name of Kiko is stepping onto the scene. This chick is intense and, by far, the most hair-raising cast member of the bunch. Big things are coming.

Okay, those were some pretty basic questions. Let’s get a bit more personal. How much of The Elite is based on actually life experience?

People who really know me, and know my life, think I’m writing about myself. I’ve used some scenarios that have happened to me in real life because it’s raw and it’s real. The experiences and the emotion is real and it’s sometimes gut-wrenching because I went through it. At times, it wasn’t easy to write. To this day, it’s not easy for me to read. I strive for authenticity in everything I create. Yes, it’s fiction, but there’s moments where the line between fiction and reality becomes smudged.

What is one of your writing quirks? Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

It’s about 10% plan and 90% Free-For-All. A lot of the time, I don’t feel like I’m in control. The visions that come to me are like premonitions and as hard as I try, it can’t be unseen. The story tells itself and I don’t fight it. It is the way it is. I’ve compared my books to a movie that plays in my head. That’s exactly what it is. I don’t make my characters do many things. I can steer them in a direction, but the rest of the time they’re in control.

Any song or songs that could basically sum up the overall mood of The Elite?
 
So far, I’ve not found a single jingle that could ever possibly do that. There might come a day, but this isn’t it.

Describe yourself in three words.
 
Dominant, Honest, and Impatient.

Besides being one of the coolest chicks I know and an amazing writer, what else do you feel you need to accomplish before you die?

lol. You’re sweet. Thanks for the compliment.
What do I want to accomplish before I die… Everything. Leave no stone unturned, leave no rollercoaster unridden. I don’t want to die with a single wish on my bucket list.

Thanks for being on the blog, Coey. You are seriously one of my favorite lit sisters! <3

Love you! Thank you so much for having me on today. :)  

 
 
 
About the Author
 

Coey Cain is a dedicated author who began writing novels as a means of entertainment at the tender age of eight. Never intending to publish or pursue a career in the field, she chased other opportunities and gained knowledge in a plethora of interests. She spent most of her adult life out West, living a fast-paced lifestyle and appreciating every minute of it. With a great love for fast cars, and with sixteen years’ experience in racing and precision driving, she dreams of rally racing cross-country one day.
 
Coey is an adventurist at heart who’s unafraid of new endeavors. She believes that danger and risks are what make for the best experiences, and ultimately better stories. Currently, she’s maintaining a quiet lifestyle while focusing on her writing career. Her passion for writing and storytelling has stood the test of time and she feels obligated to herself to make her dreams come true in every aspect of life.
 
Stalker Links:
 
 

 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Elizabeth A. Lance's Agents of the Crown Series Tour

 
 
 
Book 1: Courting Danger: Agents for the Crown
 
Ellen Montgomery wants nothing more than to live her life on her terms. However when her Father catches her riding his favorite stallion astride and in her brothers breeches no less, he decides to send Ellen to Paris for some much needed polish before the London Season. Ellen is soon fascinated with the Lords she meets, but only one makes her blood burn in more ways than one!
 
Christopher Fairfax, the new Earl of Durham has sworn off women, they are nothing but trouble. But he soon finds himself intrigued by his best friend’s younger sister, a wild little hellion who won’t listen to reason and won’t stay out of his head.
 
Ellen and Christopher both find themselves courting danger when they find a common enemy in Lord Darby, a ruthless man wanted by the crown for murder. A man determined to gain Ellen’s hand and therefore her fortune in marriage by any means necessary. Ellen and Christopher must work together to stop him before it’s too late.
 
 
 
Book 2: Artifice: Agents for the Crown
 
David Alexander Cole, the Earl of Whitborne is tired of his life as an agent, but when he meets an enchanting young miss with an unusual request he finds he cannot help but be intrigued.  Miss Joanna Deville enters his life like a whirlwind and he finds himself hard pressed not to help her in her quest for love, but soon finds himself entangled in a love triangle. The game is one of deception, make a certain gentleman jealous, and catch a jewel thief in the process, but it goes awry when he finds himself falling in love with Joanna’s devastatingly beautiful best friend, Miss Arianna Channing.  What’s a spy to do when confronted with such Artifice…
      
Arianna Channing has always been the belle of the ball. Her entourage includes all of the most eligible gentlemen, and she enjoys the power her beauty has over them, but there is one… One delectable rake with the power to make her feel something more, something real and true, but he’s embroiled in a charade of love with her best friend. How can she ever convince the rakishly handsome Lord Whitborne to quit his deception and join her in a true romance…
      
“Very well, my dear, you have yourself a bargain.  As soon as we reach London, I shall become your Flirt.  Though, I may ask for a favor in return later,” Alex replied, with a wicked grin.
 
 
 
Book 3: Charade: Agents for the Crown     
Jessica Farrington fell in love with Lord Ashley Sinclair the moment they were reacquainted. She only wishes that he actually felt the same desire for her, as she does for him.  Jessica soon finds that she must leave London when a letter arrives informing her of her father’s assassination attempt in Vienna.  Her best friends join her on her journey and she realizes that Ashley will be along as well. She is secretly thrilled, for it will afford her more time in his company.
Enter Lord Knight, a handsome and romantic masked Romeo, who takes Jessica’s breath away. His late night visits to her balcony, and his stolen kisses have Jessica’s heart soaring.  His dancing grey eyes and wicked smile remind her so much of her love, but are her suspicions of her amorous Romeo correct?
 Join Jessica and her friends as they travel to Vienna to unmask an assassin and find her heart’s desire.
 
*Excerpt from Courting Danger: Agents of the Crown*
 
 
Ellen joined her aunt in the front hall and they walked out to their waiting carriage together.
 
“Will Mr. Fairfax and Jonathon be joining us this evening?”
 
“I fear not my dear. He and your brother have both deserted us for the gaming clubs I believe.”
 
Ellen was disappointed to find that he would not be joining them in their box at the Opera that evening. Ever since she had realized her true feelings for him earlier that morning, she had hoped to run into him and start repairing their relationship. “Oh. I see.”
 
“I am sure that we shall have a fine time without them my dear. Countess Olivia and Lord Sinclair are sure to join us.”
 
Ellen glanced down the street as she climbed aboard the carriage. She noticed an unfamiliar equipage parked down the block, but in the streetlight, she could not make out the crest. Something about it disturbed her, however she was unsure what. “Aunt Kate, do you know whose carriage that is?”
 
Kate glanced in the direction Ellen had indicated and studied the crest upon the door. “Why, if I am not mistaken, I believe that those are the Duke of Avebury’s colors, though I cannot be sure, my dear.”
 
Feeling worried, Ellen frowned, for the Duke lived on the opposite side of Paris. “What could he possibly be doing over here?”
 
“I would not worry about it, love, for if it is he, he shan’t bother us.”
 
They rode to the south of the city where the opera house was located. Jean opened the carriage door and helped them to descend. They entered the exquisitely decorated building and made their way through the throng of patrons to their box on the second floor. Ellen sat down in one of the front seats so that she might take everything in, and looked around in excitement. The stage, hidden by gold brocade curtains, would be easy to see from their seats. She glanced up with delight at the gorgeous tapestries hanging upon the walls. Everything looked so inviting.
 
Picking up her opera glasses, Ellen gazed about the room, waiting for the Opera to start. Her eyes caught on the box directly across from her and she gasped.
 
Christopher sat across from the Well’s box with a stunning raven-haired courtesan. At least that is what Ellen suspected her to be. The woman wore a dangerously low cut gown of ruby red silk. She had a positively gaudy diamond necklace around her throat and the seductive way she leaned into Christopher made Ellen sick with jealousy.
 
She felt as if she had been slapped. “How dare he!” Positive that her cheeks were as red as the Cyprian’s gown, Ellen covered them, willing herself to be calm. She turned at once to Lord Sinclair, who had just entered the box. “Lord Sinclair, how lovely it is to see you. Will you be joining us for the entire performance, Milord?”
 
Sinclair smiled. “If you wish, my dear Miss Montgomery, it would be my pleasure. I had hoped to be invited to sit with you for a while.” He took the seat next to her.
 
Ellen turned her fiery gaze back to Christopher. If he thinks I am going to behave the proper lady with him sitting with a harlot, then he has another think coming. She leaned in closer to Lord Sinclair with determination and her most charming smile. “Have you seen this opera, Milord?”
 
“I am afraid not, however I am told that it is quite delightful,” he answered, a roguish grin lighting his face. “You do look very lovely this evening Miss Montgomery.”
 
“La Sir! You will put me to the blush!” she exclaimed as she tapped him playfully with her fan, her eyes twinkling with naughtiness.
 
“So what has put you into such high spirits this evening?” he asked.
 
“Why, it is your company, of course, my Lord,” she answered with an amused smile.
 
“I could not possibly take all of the credit for your mood. Perhaps it is the…atmosphere.”   Sinclair arched an eyebrow and cast a look across the room with a smile.
 
“A lady would never admit to that, Milord.”  Ellen brushed her fan against her left cheek and felt her cheeks heat at his look.
 


Author Bio:

 
Elizabeth A. Lance lives with her husband, Brandon, their two teens, lovingly nicknamed Princess and The Boy, and a menagerie of crazy animals. She is the author of  several short stories, the Young Adult series, Soul Mates as well as the Agents for the Crown, Regency series with Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing. She loves to hear from her fans and can be reached at http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnneLance.
 
Stalker links: