May 29, 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ│Tur & Elsker by S.T. Bende│Excerpt and Giveaway




Title: Tur
Series: The Elsker Saga #0.5
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29,2014



Ingra Anderson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all--great friends, a job as Odin's personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm's hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga's best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she'll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from he moment this battle begins, Inga's happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.

Some things are worth fighting for.




Title: Elsker
Series: The Elsker Saga #1
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29, 2014



You don't win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Whales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn't exactly what she was expecting. He's an honest to goodness Norse God-an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia's crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms. Her orderly life just got very messy.






“Are you sure you will be all right on the stairs?” Ull stood in the grand hall of Cardiff Castle, glancing at the four-inch, shiny death-traps Victoria called shoes. Since Ull’s eyes practically bugged out of his face when he picked me up, I had no intention of changing into the emergency flats I’d stuck in my purse. Victoria had scored another hit.
“Probably not. Walk behind me in case I fall?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“On our right, the coats of arms,” continued the tour guide. He’d been talking for a good five minutes and I couldn’t remember a single word. That was because Ull had started stroking the small of my back when our tour began, and it took all my concentration just to stay upright.
“The castle is gorgeous.” I admired the stonework as we made our way toward the stairs. There I shifted focus to my feet, staring at each step until I’d reached the top. “Made it.”
“And I was so hoping I would get to catch you.” Ull came up next to me and skimmed my hand with the pads of his fingers.
“Well, the night is young and these shoes are high. You may still get your chance.”
“Tease.” Ull kissed my palm.
“Um.” I swayed on the heels and he chuckled.
“Come, Miss Tostenson. We are losing the group.”
“Right.”
We walked the long corridor framed with paintings. All of the history in these walls was kind of overwhelming. The castle was two thousand years old. The oldest thing we had back in Nehalem was probably the Homestead. Cardiff Castle had about eighteen hundred years on that farm.
“This place is huge,” I whispered when we’d caught up to the tour. “I can’t imagine living here. How could you ever get comfortable?”
“You get used to it,” Ull shrugged. “Find little corners to make your own.”
“How on earth could anyone get used to all of this?”
“When you are stuck in it every day it gets old. Trust me.”
“Right.” Like Ull was an authority on royal dwellings. “Living in a castle sounds sooo terrible.”
“Depends on the day.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that these walls did more than keep people out -- they kept people in, too.”
I thought about my vision from Friday night -- of Ull and me in a meadow by a castle. Huh.
“Where did you say your family lived, exactly?” I probed.
But Ull bristled. I’d hit a nerve. “Come Kristia, we have lost our group again.” He gently pulled me down the hall.
“You may have noticed the Animal Wall in front of the Castle. Though William Burges designed the Wall in 1866, it was not constructed until 1890 -- nine years after Burges’s death.” The guide lifted an eyebrow as we caught up.  “Please do try to stay with the tour,” he admonished before turning down another corridor. The rest of the group followed closely.
“Sorry.” I ducked my head.
Ull raised a corner of his mouth in a smile. “Why, Kristia, you are blushing.”
“And?” I lifted my chin, and took a step back so I stood against the wall.
“It is sweet.”  Ull paused and lifted a finger to my cheek. My knees buckled and he grabbed my arm to steady me. The touch sent shockwaves straight to my head, leaving me with the unnerving sensation of being underwater. I lost my bearings again and Ull wrapped both hands around my waist to stop my fall.
“Sorry,” I mouthed. “Must be the shoes.” I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. They almost looked nervous.
“Must be.” He ran his finger along my jaw, stopping to grasp my chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes focused on my mouth and my heartbeat accelerated. He ran his thumb lightly over my lips. They parted under his touch. A wave of heat shot from my lower lip straight to my abdomen, creating a slow burn that wasn’t altogether uncomfortable. I watched as his eyes slowly moved down then back up, lingering at the neckline of my dress. Victoria had been right about the push-up bra.
“Must be,” I repeated.
Ull drew his eyes away from my cleavage and took a step closer. He leaned one forearm against the wall, leaving me enveloped between the cold stone and his warm chest. I was suddenly very dizzy.
“Kristia,” he spoke in a whisper.
“Yes?” I whispered back. Ull was looking at me with an intensity I wasn’t prepared for. He stepped in, closing the last inch between us.
“Look at me.” He spoke again, lifting my chin so my lips were tilted towards his. If his body hadn’t been pressed against mine, I would have collapsed in a heap that instant. Instead, I took a shaky breath as Ull dropped his head. He ran his nose along my jaw line, pausing when he reached my ear. He breathed in, the cool air sending a shiver down my neck. With painstaking slowness he drew his nose across my cheek until our lips were almost touching. Now when I looked into his eyes I saw something entirely different. He was strong. Confident. And very much in control.
I let out a small sigh and immediately he covered my mouth with his. It wasn’t a gentle kiss -- it was commanding, almost forceful. I melted against him as he claimed my lips, moved down my jaw to consume my neck. My insides throbbed. In that moment, I would have done absolutely anything he asked me to.
“Kristia,” he whispered again.
“Mmm.” It was the best I could muster by way of response.
“I think we need to stop.”
In God’s name, why?
“Will you be joining the rest of my tour, or shall I leave the two of you here?” The guide stood at the end of the corridor, literally tapping his foot. Oops.
Ull placed his hands around my waist to right me. I smoothed my hair and straightened my dress, my cheeks burning the whole time.
“Great timing,” I muttered. Just when things were getting good.
“Do not worry Kristia.” Ull winked. “We have all the time in the world.”
I sure hoped so.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Before finding domestic bliss in surburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet's Coffe) and Europe...where she became overly fond of the musical Cats. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the ELSKER series. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day patstries will be considered a health food.

You can send an email to her at stbende@gmail.com or contact her at the following links:





May 27, 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ│Tempted (A BirthRight Novel) by Brandi Leigh Hall

#2 in The BirthRight Series
Out Now!


What if the very thing to save you-is the one thing beyond your reach?

Torn between two men who have fallen for her--and the evil who wants to possess her--twenty-two-year-old Chloe Bishop can no longer remember the fatal vision which threatens her future happiness. But when the magical link is severe between Chloe and her Wiccan family, they must find a way to save her before temptation leads her into darkness-and into the welcoming arms of Mr. Wrong.

A Sweet Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance, perfect for fans of Charmed!
Content Rating: (PG 13)

No sex, passionate kissing, moderate swearing





Purchase Tempted for just 99 cents during release week!



Haven't read book #1- Tethered? Snag it today!
No matter how you try to fight it—Destiny has a mind of its own!
Returning home to her Wiccan roots wasn’t quite what nineteen-year-old Chloe Bishop had in mind for summer break. But when fate makes other plans, Chloe is forced to face her unwanted magical abilities—the destiny she never knew existed—and the handsome stranger who is somehow tethered to both.





Purchase on Tethered on:




Prizes
2 Signed Paperback copies of Tethered  and swag ( US Only )
2 Ebook copies of Tethered ( International )




Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.
Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi's fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she'd write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.
Brandi hasn't been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it's okay to speak your mind and be independent career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society's mold.
In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she'll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.











COVER REVEAL│ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel) by Sawyer Bennett


Loveswept (Random House) is thrilled to debut the cover of ALEX: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel by USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett! ALEX is the first in a sexy and exciting new series that’s hot enough to melt the ice…
ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)
Loveswept Contemporary Romance
Written by Sawyer Bennett
On sale: October 14, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-553-39300-2



Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn't afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn't so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image trough community service or ride the bench. But Alex refused to be molded int the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy...not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people-like Alex, who's been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team's effort to clean up his image. What she doesn't expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn't one to cross professional boundaries-and besides, Alex doesn't do relationships...or does he?

The more she sees behind Alex's bad-boy facade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Get your copy of ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)






USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett is a snarky Southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world  while she stays home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Connect with Sawyer


Connect with Loveswept








May 26, 2014

BLOG TOUR STOP│Another New Life by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle│EXCERPT

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Title: Another New Life
Author: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Publication Date: June 2, 2014
New Adult Contemporary Romance
**This book contains adult subject matter. Not intended for young readers.**



Miranda Preston is a walking contradiction. Beautiful on the outside, but, insecure, haunted and damaged on the inside. Despite these contradictions, she’s ready to start Another New Life.

When her talent wins her a piano scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, Miranda arrives on campus determined to experience everything college has to offer and to keep her secrets in the past where they belong.

An easy task, until the first guy who catches her eye happens to be someone, she’s known all her life.

Eight years have passed since the last time Miranda and Troy saw each other. He reminds her of the best and worst times of her life, but she can’t think about one without dwelling on the other. As they grow closer, every day their attraction reminds them they are no longer kids.

The epic romantic love story that is Miranda and Troy seems to be destined for a happy ending, but Miranda knows it's only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. A secret that will not only destroy their relationship, it will destroy Troy, too.

Can Miranda focus on her future with Troy while preventing her past from tearing them apart all over again?

 



It would be so easy to jump into his arms and drag him to bed, close my eyes, and let that physical part of me take over. I still wanted him so bad, but I wasn't supposed to do that anymore. I wasn’t supposed to use sex to mask my problems. Damn therapy.
"You could stay in here," he said.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"I've really screwed things up, haven't I?" Troy stared at the ground.
"Troy, please don't do this."
"What?" He looked up.
"Make me feel sorry for you."
"At least I'd know you felt something for me."
"I do feel something for you." I sat down. "I love you."
He knelt in front of me, taking my hands. I watched as he brought them to his lips. "I love you, too."
I pulled my hands out of his grip.
"I can't do this. Not now. I know I said I was okay, but I don't know. Being here and remembering all the time we spent together in this room. You made me feel safe. I felt so connected to you. I thought you'd never hurt me, but I am hurt and sad and scared we'll never be able to get back what we had. I'm different, but you're different now, too."
"Please don't say that."
"I don't see how—" I began.
"No, we can fix this. I can fix it." Troy's tone showed his desperation. "Just, don't say there's no chance."
"It's how I feel. Even if we were to get back together again, it's not going to be the same."
Troy stood up. He had a defeated little boy look like someone stole his favorite toy, but he turned to me and made one more plea. "What can I do?"
"Give me some time, okay?" I stood up and headed to the door.
I didn't wait to hear his response. I closed the door behind me. As I headed to the living room, I grabbed a blanket from the hall closet and wrapped myself in it. I curled up into the corner of the coach and cried myself to sleep.


Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a New Adult Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader and movie fanatic who

Sydney has been blogging at sydneyaaliyah.com for three years, where she interviews people about their tattoos, discusses her favorite movie quotes, reviews books (New Adult & only the ones she loves) and journals about her writing and editing process.hailsfrom Texas. After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.

Sydney’s self-published debut New Adult Novel Another New Life will be available June 2014. An active tweeter, she is also a JuNoWriMo (2x) and NaNoWriMo (2x) winners who notes the sci-fi action flick “The Matrix” as the best representation of her life in the past. She is blessed to be awake now and doing what she loves.