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Return Once More Review and Giveaway

Posted on December 1, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Return Once More by Trisha Leigh
(The Historians #1)
Published by: Bloomsbury Spark
Publication date: September 29th 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Time-Travel, Young Adult

Synopsis:

If you could learn the identity of your one true love—even though you will never meet— would you?

Years have passed since refugees from a ruined earth took to space, eventually settling a new system of planets. Science has not only made the leaps necessary to allow time travel, but the process engineered a strange side effect—predicting your one true love.

If you could save your one true love from an untimely death, would you be able to resist?

Sixteen-year-old Kaia Vespasian is an apprentice to the Historians—a group charged with using time travel to document the triumphs and failures of the past—and she can’t resist a peek at her long-dead soul mate in Ancient Egypt. Before she knows it, she’s broken every rule in the book, and the consequences of getting caught could destroy more than just her new romance.

Or would you have the strength to watch him die?

But when Kaia notices a fellow classmate snooping around in a time where he doesn’t belong, she suspects he has a secret of his own—and the conspiracy she uncovers could threaten the entire universe. If her experience has taught her anything, to changing history means facing the consequences. The Historians trained her to observe and record the past, but Kaia never guessed she might have to protect it— in a race across time to save her only chance at a future.

Purchase Links:

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My Review:

Kaia is an apprentice learning to become a Historian. In her society, that means traveling back in time and observing historic events that occurred on their original planet, Earth. Earth is no longer habitable by humans. Kaia’s ancestors found it necessary to leave Earth and find new planets to inhabit. Science has made great strides and now they are able to travel through time and space. They are also able to determine who would be your true love, but most of the time your “true” lived and died in another time. Kaia only knows of one couple her age that were identified as “trues”. On your 17 birthday you can find out who your “true” is if you want to. Kaia decides to find out. She finds out that her “true” is from Ancient Egypt and died as a teenager. She should just let this information go, but she can’t and when the opportunity arises she breaks every rule in the book to meet her true love. Along the way she finds out that one of her apprentice friends is also breaking the rules. She starts following him and discovers secrets in the historian society itself that could forever change the world they live in.

I wasn’t sure at first whether I was going to like this book or not, but I liked it very much. I am not one of those people who believes in soul mates or love at first sight. I think you can be attracted to someone at first sight, but you have to really know someone in order to love them. I’m talking about romantic love here and not seeing your niece or nephew for the first time, or your son or daughter, and loving them instantly. Because that kind of love at first sight I definitely believe in. Soon after the beginning of the book, Kaia goes back in time to meet her true love. It was definitely a case of instalove, but I kept reading and I’m very glad that I did. It takes a little while, but soon things start heating up and nothing is what it seems. Strange things are going on in the Historian society and Kaia doesn’t’ know who she can trust.

The book started out a little slow but once it picked up I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters and I think the author did a good job with her world development. I liked the little trips to the past and how descriptive the author was. I also liked the interaction between the main character, Kaia, and her friends. Kaia is a wonderful character. She starts out very immature and selfish and grows throughout the book into a more mature and selfless person. I liked her very much by the end of the book. Another character that I really liked was Oz. He and Kaia butt heads a little, but he is always there for her when she gets into trouble, which happens frequently. The relationship between Kaia and Oz makes me wonder about the whole “True Love” thing. There is definitely something going on between those two.

There are only a few things that I didn’t like about the book. Sometimes the author got a little too descriptive. In the beginning of the book when the author was setting the stage for the story, I got a little bored. I almost put it down, but I’m glad that I didn’t. I had a hard time buying into the part of the story line where they could predict who your soul mate was. I don’t think it is possible to predict who your soul mate is and I found the love story with Caesarion in Ancient Egypt a little sappy and cliche. But that story line was only a portion of what was going on in the book. I do think the trips into the past were necessary for Kaia’s development.

Over all, I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery with a little sci-fi thrown in for good measure. I will definitely read the sequel, because there are so many unanswered questions and it will be interesting to see where the author takes the story line in the next book. I give this book four out of five stars.

Author Bio:

Trisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales, and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies, reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.

Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who are numerous, loud, full of love–the kind of people that make the world a better place. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories–made up, of course, but true enough in their way.

Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

To learn more about Trisha Leigh, please visit her at trishaleigh.com.

If you enjoy New Adult books or a good contemporary romance, please check out my pen name, Lyla Payne!

Author Links:

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The Killer Contract Agency Book Blitz

Posted on November 30, 2015 by The Page Unbound

The Killer Contract Agency

by Jessica Samuels

Release Date: November 30th 2015

Book Summary

Salina Sinclair hunts Malians, an alien species that preys on weak teenagers, making them crazy enough to kill themselves. But after being nearly burned alive by one, Salina is contacted by The Killer Contract Agency. Wielding the powers of The Bracelet and with her mentor, Carter, by her side, she exacts her revenge by taking out the Malians responsible for her near death.

But something big is happening with the Agency and operatives are dying. Will she find out what it is before it’s too late, or will the Agency be destroyed?

Excerpt

The next day, I slept in late. Then, I spent most of the day working out in the gym and in the simulator. I didn’t see Carter the whole day, but later that night, he met me at my door. A thrill ran through me as I opened my dorm room door. He was sexy as hell in blue jeans, a black shirt, and black leather boots.

Taking in his attire, I suddenly felt underdressed, although I was dress similarly in black jeans, a blue dress shirt, and black boots. I stepped out and gently closed the door behind me, feeling rested from my afternoon of sleeping in and working out.

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded and followed him down the three flights to the garage. When we reached the Mazda RX 7, he open the passenger side door for me.

“Thanks,” I said, glad that he thought chivalry was still in. When he closed the door behind me, it suddenly felt more like a date than a killing mission.

He smiled at me as he slid into the driver’s seat and fired it up.

Suddenly, the computer on the dashboard came to life. “That is so cool.”

Carter smiled. “It’s an embedded computer that can give us directions, pull up files, and redirect us to crime scenes.” He backed the car up and then headed down the ramp. A moment later, we were out of the parking garage, roaring into the darkness of the night. “The computer also has options like cloaking, and grenade launchers. It’ll even drop spikes to pop the tires of cars following behind, and it can go up to two hundred miles per hour.”

“Wow … I love that!” I said, unable to believe what I was hearing. “Are all of the cars at the Agency like this one?”

He smiled. “Yes, they are, but this car’s the best. Now, take out the file from under the seat and speak the address clearly to the car. The tracker activates on voice command.”

I reached under the seat as he had instructed and pulled out the file. I opened it and found out that her name was Sandra Stewart, age 23, code name Candy. It was her stripper name. Go figure. She dances on the pole for a living and kills men in her spare time. It said in her file that

Sandra’s father had cheated on her mother with a stripper. It was no wonder that she hunted only men.

We had to stop her from killing more.

About the Author

My name is Jessica Samuels.I am an author addicted to caffeine, and I have imaginary friends that keep me up at night begging for me to tell their story. I love writing in my spare time a long with reading books since I have been an avid reader since elementary school.

Author Links

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Crystallum Book Blitz and Giveaway

Posted on November 30, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Crystallum
Laney McMann
(Primordial Principles #1)
Published by: Booktrope Publishing
Publication date: October 25th 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Kadence Sparrow wasn’t born a devil’s child—she was turned into one. Now, she’s hiding from the truth, and running for her life.

For years, Kade’s true nature has lurked behind an illusion, so when her dad gets another job transfer, she knows the drill: no close friends, no boyfriends, and most importantly: don’t expose what she is. Ever. Keeping secrets is easy. Lies are second nature. So is the loneliness—and the fear, but when the Shadows attack, and Kade meets Cole Spires, she could expose everything she’s trying to hide.

As one of the Celestial Children, Cole lives by an oath: defend the Ward, protect the Primordial race, guard the gateways, and stick to his own. Everything else is a distraction, and besides, he’s lost enough. Cole’s job is clear, and no one his age does it better. So, when he meets Kade in a club downtown, he assumes she just wants his attention. Most girls do, but Cole soon realizes … Kade isn’t like most girls.

The children of heaven and hell are living among us, fighting an age-old war. And falling for someone from the opposition is not an option. But a chance encounter between Kade and Cole will blur the rules, as Kade’s journey to keep her truth hidden catapults them together and into a web of lies, forcing her to not only face the demon inside her, but to answer the hardest question of all.

Which is thicker—blood or water?

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Are you a reviewer? You can request a review copy of Crystallum here!

CRYSprmo2

—

EXCERPT:

PLUMB STOOD in the driveway, hands on her hips, a piece of bright yellow paper in her hand. Cole groaned, exhausted, as he made his way toward her. The only light was a dim one above the door on the Brotherhood’s front porch.

Plumb waved the paper in the air. “It’s four fifteen in the morning, and I’m afraid to even venture why I received a notice for you to appear in front of the Warden later today. And Danny has nothing to say, which could only mean one thing—” Plumb looked him up and down. “With the condition you’re in, I’m not sure I want to know where you’ve been.”

“You probably don’t.” Cole held his hand out for the summons.

Plumb handed the paper over, scowling, and Cole slipped it, unopened, into his pocket.

“Are you going to tell me where you’ve been?”

“Thought you didn’t want to know.” He walked toward the porch. There was a time, when Cole was much younger, that he never would have spoken so bluntly to his Lead, but those days, buried by all of his new responsibilities within the Ward, had faded. They were close to equals now, even though Plumb was about fifteen years older.

“Cole.”

“I’m tired as hell. I’ve been up all night.” He turned to face her. “Okay? I need to get some sleep.”

“What were you doing in the middle of the night that the Principals couldn’t handle?”

“A girl.”

“Excuse me?”

“No…I, no, I wasn’t doing a girl. She just…never mind.” He headed for the door, flustered. The last thing he needed to do was think about Kadence like that. His brain already went into some kind of jumble every time her name was mentioned, and it was bad enough that she’d had her hands all over him.

“You were with Tiffany? Until four in the morning?” Plumb sounded like a disapproving mother. “Cole, I understand you’re seventeen, and boys—”
“I was with Kadence.” He wished she would shut up.

Author Bio:

Laney McMann is the author of The Fire Born Novels (TIED, TORN, & TRUE) and The Primordial Principles series (CRYSTALLUM, book #1 ~ Fall 2015).

She is the product of very creative parents and the most imaginative grandmother ever. With an untapped passion for the supernatural and all things magical, her voracious appetite for reading fantasy started really young ~ and so did her love of words.

She writes young adult dark urban fantasy novels mixed with a spike of romance, a hint of history, a dash of mythology, and lots of paranormal.

On the non-writing side of life, Laney is a former classical dancer, music snob, chef, and a right-brained thinker to a fault. When she’s not dreaming up new dead ends to torture herself with, she spends her time running.

Laney is published by J. Taylor Publishing and Booktrope Publishing

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Author Interview with Ela Lourenco

Posted on November 29, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Book Summary:

Far in the distant reaches of the universe is a world called Azmantium. A planet with lilac skies, jade green seas and fiery red suns. A planet where everything, from the tides of the sea to life itself, is rooted in magic. Children are assessed at an early age and trained according to their unique magical talents.

Lara, an orphan who has no memory of her true origins, is unaware that she has a vital role to play in the ancient prophesies that are about to begin coming true. Older than most who are just beginning their magical training, Lara will soon find out that destiny waits for no one, especially when the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.

With the help of her new friends, Lara will learn that in order to save the future, she must journey into the past – to a time when Dragons ruled the world!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

Author Interview With Ela Lourenco

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing? What inspires you to write?

I am a true nomad having lived all around the world before finally settling down in Scotland. I believe that the love for reading my mother instilled in me combined with all the new and wonderful things I saw around the world inspired me to write. Everything I see, hear, touch, feel or smell inspires me daily.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

My audience is anyone with a thirst for adventure and fantasy, anyone with a yearning to lose themselves in the world of magical beings. I believe Dragon Born is a book that speaks to readers of all ages (my reviews back this up!), there is something for everyone.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

Actually the title just came to me – the story came after! It was a true lightbulb moment.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

The designer of Dragon Born‘s cover is the wonderful, amazing, brilliant Nina D’Arcangela. All I did was give her a vague notion of what I was after (emphasis on the vague!) and she brilliantly managed to capture exactly what I had hoped for. Why a blue dragon’s egg? I thought it tied in nicely with the title and the beginning of the book (and series) without giving too much away! I’m sneaky like that!

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Oh, now you are going to get me in trouble!! The four main characters are named after my daughters and nieces!! So in order to be fair I will say that aside from the protagonists my favourite character would have to be the eccentric over the top Deedee!

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

Jayla – everyone knows or has known a Jayla. Bullies make my skin crawl.

If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

I would turn back time and write it again from scratch because I enjoyed the process so much. I felt a true anticlimax when I finished writing the fifth and last book in the series.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

Well, the main characters Lara and Asena are not only named after my own daughters and Sofia and Leyla are my beloved nieces, but their personalities are a true representation of how they really are in life!

What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?

There are a variety of books in existence which deal with the popular themes of friendship, identity and magic – but I do not believe that this makes them ‘similar’ in any way. Dragon Born is a fantasy adventure with a sci-fi element but no two books will ever be written in the same style or deliver the same exact ‘flavour’.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

I can be contacted directly at elalourenco@hotmail.com and you can look me up on Goodreads too.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Well, I am not allowed to tell you any titles, but the second book in the Dragon Born series has been written as has the first book in a new YA series I am working on… you will just have to wait and see!

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

They can post reviews and tell their friends about it!! I love getting feedback from my readers, it really makes my day.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Write what you enjoy – I really believe it reflects in the read.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would like to thank all the lovely ladies at Sirens Call Publications – they are wonderful, warm and supportive and have truly made the publishing experience a very positive one for me!

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Chapter 1

The sky was dark, not a star in sight as the woman glided through the deserted streets. Her feet barely touched the ground as she silently made her way to the back door of the small stone house at the end of the street. She paused and looked at the house. She had been searching for the right place for many years. This small but welcoming house, with its red stone walls and silvery slate roof, spoke to something inside of her. This was where she would leave her precious cargo.

She rang the doorbell and waited. A petite woman she knew to be called Yelena answered the door with a warm smile, her green eyes twinkling in the soft light of the porch.

“Good evening. Can I help you?” Yelena asked.

The woman slid her hood back slightly so Yelena could see her face.

“Gods above!” Yelena gasped as she looked at the beautiful blonde woman radiating light from her very pores. A tattoo in the shape of a flame was etched on her right cheek leaving no doubts as to her identity. “Please come in!”

The woman followed her into the living room and sat gingerly on the end of one of the large comfortable armchairs as she looked around with interest. Yelena sat opposite her, still speechless, and waited for her guest to talk.

“I can see that you recognise me,” the woman began. “That is good… too many have forgotten the old ways… I am here on a matter of the utmost importance. I need your help. What I will ask of you will be a great burden to you and will bring grave danger to you and those around you…” she trailed off and looked at Yelena as though assessing her.

Yelena nodded. “It is an honour my lady… I did not think I would ever meet you… no one even knows you truly exist.”

The woman nodded. “And that is how it must remain. There are those who have sought to exterminate us from the face of this world. If they were to find out the truth no one would be safe.”

Yelena bowed her head respectfully. “What is it that I can do my lady?”

The woman took a large blue egg from under her heavy cloak.

“Is that what I think it is?” Yelena gasped.

The woman nodded. “It is the very last of its kind Yelena. I have kept it safe and hidden in magical stasis for many a year, but now it is time. It is time for the dawning of a new era.” She put the egg in Yelena’s hands, it was warm to the touch. “You must take care of it for all our sakes… and no matter what happens, no one must ever know the truth until the time is right.”

Yelena hugged the egg against her chest. “I will not fail you my lady. Will I see you again?”

The woman nodded. “Our paths will cross again… until then, keep safe.”

Yelena watched the woman pull her hood back on as she left the house and gracefully glided away into the darkness. She cradled the egg in her arms as she warded the door with her earth magicks—she would have to be very careful if she was to succeed in her mission.

About the Author:

Ela Lourenco lives in Scotland with her two daughters and husband. She has been an avid reader since childhood and has long enjoyed mysteries, mythology and anything related to the paranormal/supernatural/mystical/science fiction. She loves nothing more than making up stories about faraway people and places (helped somewhat by a mind that just won’t grow up!). When she isn’t nose deep in a book or writing herself she can be found dancing around the kitchen whilst baking. Her biggest wish in life is to infect others with a passion for reading.

Author Links:
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The Door of the Heart Promo

Posted on November 28, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours

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THE DOOR OF THE HEART

Diana Finfrock Farrar

Married for twenty years, Tammy & Ed Sloan suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a hot button current social issue when their high school aged son is punished for bullying a fellow athlete who is gay. The wife of a conservative Texas politician, Tammy begins to reexamine her values after the incident blows up in the media and embarks on a mission not just to view LGBT issues through a loving Christian perspective, but to become an active participant for positive change. A generous look at the gay community through a Christian lens, Diana Finfrock Farrar’s novel interweaves multiple story lines that feature endearing characters, both gay and straight, each confronting the consequences of homophobia and demonstrating a need for the understanding and the embracing of the LGBT community, especially in the heart of Bible-belt reactionaryism.

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First time novelist, Diana Finfrock Farrar, is a native Texan and financial adviser representative who loves snow skiing and traveling, competes in sprint triathlons, and is an ordained deacon and elder in the Presbyterian church (PCUSA) where she sings in the choir every Sunday. Blessed to have been born into a family that taught her how to live a life of faith, love and relationship — the idea of family has always been at her center. Feeling called to make a difference, Farrar has penned her first novel with the hope of educating her readers on issues of empowerment, injustice, and compassion. She and her wife, Charlotte, were married in Ontario, Canada in 2010. They live in Texas and share five children and three grandchildren.

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M9B Friday Reveal: Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis with Giveaway

Posted on November 27, 2015 by The Page Unbound

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Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing the cover for

Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)
by Jennifer Anne Davis

an upcoming Month9Books Title!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

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The people of Nelebek live in fear of persecution from the evil Morlet, who reigns with a dark and destructive magic. The kingdom’s only hope lies with the Order of the Krigers—twelve warriors with mysterious powers linked to magical weapons.

For over a century, Morlet has been annihilating the Order, picking them off one by one. Eleven Krigers have been hunted down, tortured, and imprisoned in his dungeon. Now, only one remains.

Sixteen-year-old Kaia survives by keeping her head down and minding her own business. But when she finds herself in the middle of a public execution where the mysterious Morlet is in attendance, an odd compulsion she can’t resist comes over her.

Kaia looks into Morlet’s eyes.

Soon, an ancient power awakens and Kaia can no more blend into the scenery. Will she heed the call of the Krigers or will Morlet’s dark magic destroy the last of the Order?

Fans of GRACELING and THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS will enjoy RISE, book one in the RISE OF THE KRIGERS series from international bestselling author Jennifer Anne Davis.

Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)
by Jennifer Anne Davis
Publication Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books

Available for Pre-Order:
AMAZON

About-the-Author

Jennifer Anne Davis

Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her best friend and high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

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The Truth Spell Blitz

Posted on November 25, 2015 by The Page Unbound

The Truth Spell (Werewolf High #1)
by Anita Oh
Release Date: 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

As soon as I stepped onto the grounds of Amaris High, I knew I’d made a big mistake. I could never fit in at such a snobbish school – I was more IT girl than “it girl”. But then I saw him.

Sam Spencer. My childhood best friend. But it couldn’t be. Sam Spencer had died three years ago, on the night that changed everything. I need to know what happened, why he’s suddenly not dead and is hanging out with a bunch of rich kids.

When the school is hit by a truth spell, it seems like the perfect chance to find out what Sam and his creepy new friends are hiding, but the weirder things get, the less I’m sure I want to know. Even for Sam, even for the free food, Amaris High might be more trouble than it’s worth.

Buy Links:

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The Truth Spell is now on sale for $0.99 on Amazon!

Book Excerpt:

He looked so different in the moonlight, and it struck me how the years apart had aged him. He’d lost the roundness of his cheeks, but what he’d lost in baby fat he’d gained in muscle. He seemed to tower over me, all broad shoulders and toned arms.

“Why did you leave?” I asked him, unable to play it cool any longer, to pretend I didn’t care. “Where were you? I’ve been mourning for you all this time and you’ve been off playing polo and eating souffles. What, don’t rich people have phones? You couldn’t have sent a message?”

“It’s complicated, Lucy. You don’t understand.”

“Of course I don’t understand. You were dead. I don’t understand how you could be someone’s friend and let them sit through your funeral.” As I yelled at Sam, the anger drained out of me, and I was left feeling sick and tired. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering. “Just tell me, Sam. Tell me what happened. Tell me why.”

About the Author

After several years in the warm, comforting cocoon of fandom, Anita has decided to see what’s up with this real world she’s heard about. Judgment is reserved until more information can be gathered.

Anita likes dogs, naps, food, and Japanese idol group Arashi. Everything else can be improved when combined with these four things.

Anita lives with a grumpy beagle who bosses her around terribly, and won’t even snuggle.

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Powerless Teaser

Posted on November 24, 2015 by The Page Unbound

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Powerless (The Hero Agenda #1)

by Tera Lynn Childs (Goodreads Author), Tracy Deebs (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

Kenna is tired of being “normal”. The only thing special about her is that she isn’t special at all. Which is frustrating in a world of absolutes. Villains, like the one who killed her father, are bad. Heroes, like her mother and best friend, are good. And Kenna, unlike everyone else around her, is completely ordinary— which she hates.

She’s secretly working on an experiment that will land her a place among the Heroes, but when a Villain saves her life during a break-in at her lab, Kenna discovers there’s a whole lot of gray area when it comes to good and evil and who she can trust.. After all…not all strength comes from superpowers.

Quote 1:

“Good isn’t always good, and bad isn’t always bad. You’ve always seen the shades of grey.”
― Tera Lynn Childs, Powerless

Quote 2:

“If I could have any superpower, right now, I’d choose the ability to reach through glass. One thin, little pane is all that separates me from bliss…of the midnight-snack variety, to be exact. The chocolate bar hangs halfway to freedom but refuses to take the plunge, as if the vending machine is mocking me, taunting me. As if it knows I’m powerless.”
― Tera Lynn Childs, Powerless

Quote 3:

“I might not have superpowers, but I know how to knee a guy in the nuts.”
― Tera Lynn Childs, Powerless

Quote 4:

“You’re my hero. The real kind. More so than your dad or any of the others working with him are.”
― Tera Lynn Childs, Powerless

Wasted Time Promo and Giveaway

Posted on November 24, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Wasted Time by Mya O’Malley

Do you believe that some souls are destined to be together, even through hardship and deceit?

After 9-11, Declan’s heart is torn between wanting to stay with Morgan and needing to fight for his beloved country. Knowing that the future may be uncertain, he kisses his fiancée goodbye and focuses on his mission until that dark day from which he will never fully recover. Injured in Afghanistan, Declan has lost more than part of his leg; he’s lost part of himself, now plagued in grief and guilt. How could he possibly ask Morgan to take care of him for the rest of his life, being nothing but a burden to her? Which would be more heartbreaking, feigning his own death or bringing her unhappiness every day? If only he could eradicate her from his mind and be at peace with his decision.

Morgan prays day and night for Declan’s safe return, but when his letters stop coming, Morgan knows in her heart that she has lost him forever. Morgan has a hard time believing in fate and destiny after her fiancé is taken from her. With Declan gone, Morgan’s hope for true love is destroyed, but eventually she finds comfort in the arms of another, even though Morgan’s new love knows that her heart belongs to Declan.

Will Morgan eventually be able to move on, or will Declan haunt her dreams forever?

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Excerpt:

Her face was the only thing that had kept him sane during his deployment. At this moment, however, thoughts of Morgan had been pushed to the side for reasons of pure survival. Declan wiped the mud from his eye with a swift movement of his hand, just quick enough so that he could see again. Booming thunder went off near and far.

Swearing under his breath, Declan closed one eye and squinted the other shut as he spied his target. Breathe. One, two, three… he could do this. The first time he’d had to shoot another man he had faltered, hesitated only the briefest of seconds, during which time the man escaped his line of sight and shot a fellow soldier in the leg, causing serious injury.

This time, Declan concentrated, aimed his M4 rifle, and fired. The distinct thud of a man dropping to the ground confirmed the target had been hit. Swiping at the sweat in his eyes from the sweltering mid-day heat, Declan gulped and struggled to his knees. Lining up his rifle again, his neck and shoulders ached with fatigue. He bit down and gritted his teeth, tasting dirt while fighting off the pain.

It seemed as if hours had gone by, when in fact, it had probably only been minutes when finally the haunting sound of gunfire ceased. Not one to trust silence in any setting, Declan mentally counted upward until he reached near fifty.

“All clear,” his buddy, Sean, called out. “All clear.”

Declan, always cautious, still maintained his position until he heard his fellow soldiers from his platoon begin to speak. Peeking up from his ravine, Declan rose slowly to his feet as the rifle was pressed to his side.

Surveying the damage, it appeared that several of their enemies were lying still on the ground. The man he had shot lay still, appearing lifeless. Another man lay several feet away. It seemed the enemies had taken off, deserting the boundaries of the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. His platoon mates fell silent, all business as they quickly gathered their belongings to head back to base.

Declan clutched his rifle, drawing closer to his victim. Curiosity had gotten the best of him. Fully aware of his previous actions, Declan stepped even closer. He had never killed a man before — injured, yes, but never killed. This man did not appear to be alive.

His heart sped up as sweat caused his fatigues to cling to his body. For God’s sake, the man looked to have been only in his early twenties at best. What have I done? What are we doing here? Waves of nausea rose and Declan swallowed hard.

“Hey! Step back!” Sean called out. “Move out! I repeat, move out!”

Hearing his friend call out to him, Declan turned toward the sound of his voice, realizing his mistake seconds too late. He should have known better; he should have. But no amount of training can prepare you for taking another man’s life.

Glancing swiftly at Sean through tear-stained eyes, he saw the movement in his peripheral vision. Sean raced to the open dirt road. They were sitting ducks, in plain sight. The man that Declan had presumed dead, the one he had shot, raised his own rifle and fired at Sean, who dropped instantly to ground.

“No! No!” Declan spun his head back to the imminent threat, a moment too late. The force of the explosion knocked him to the ground in an instant. Morgan’s face was the last thing that registered in his mind as another shot fired, leaving his world black.

****

Clouds scattered overhead, cries of gulls bringing back another time, a different memory, sitting here with Declan by her side. Morgan squeezed her jaw, fighting back the pain.

Months later, there was still no word from Declan. On the Internet, she had searched out his name relentlessly but there was no mention of Declan, no death certificates and his name couldn’t be found on any list of casualties of the war. It was as if he had simply disappeared, but that wasn’t possible and she feared the worst. He was gone and there was no closure for Morgan, as his only living relatives were his mom and some family living on the west coast, whom Declan hadn’t seen in years. Even she and Declan’s old friend, Stephen seemed to be losing touch.

She could sit on this beach and watch the water forever; it was a place Declan had cherished, a place she felt close to him. Never again would her life be the same without Declan Blake. How was she going to make it without him?

The world was quiet and without joy for Morgan. Even Morgan’s mother nagged her to speak with a therapist. She didn’t see the purpose of smiling or laughing when it was all forced. Constant thoughts of Declan plagued her day and night.

Morgan nearly jumped when her cell rang. First instincts were to let the call go to voicemail, but she knew the person calling would only persist. That’s how it had been lately; she would ignore phone calls only to find tons of messages waiting.

It was Elle, calling for the second time that day. “Hi, Elle.”

“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for hours,” Elle exclaimed.

“I don’t know, I’m just hanging out.”

“Down by the river again?” Elle inquired.

“Yup,” Morgan responded as she moved her foot around in the sand.

“Figured as much.”

Elle’s voice sounded odd, almost as if she were hearing her close by. Morgan turned to see her friend walking toward her on the grassy path leading to the small beach.

Rising to her feet, Morgan felt tears escape. Elle was by her side, arms wrapped around her within moments. Morgan released Elle and took a small step back.

“Oh, Elle, what am I going to do?” she sobbed.

“You’re going to live, dammit. Declan would want you to be happy.”

“How? How can I forget about him, just move on?” It wasn’t possible, she had tried, and it just wasn’t working. Even when she was at work, she was just going through the motions; she did her job, but her heart wasn’t the same.

“I think it’s time for you to see someone to talk about all of this. You’ve waited long enough.”

She was right and so was her mother, believe it or not. “I will, Elle. I will because I don’t know what else to do.”

“Morgan, you’re the strongest person I know. You have so much happiness and love to share. I have full confidence in you. You’re going to make it and come out stronger in the end.” Elle spoke through her own tears.

“Thanks, Elle. I love you.” Morgan felt better knowing there was someone on her side rooting for her.

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Author Mya O’Malley
Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of a boxer, Destiny and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.
Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her eighth novel.

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Michael Gibney Author Spotlight

Posted on November 23, 2015 by The Page Unbound

MGMondays-Bannernew

Welcome to this week’s Super Middle Grade Mondays
presented by Tantrum Books/Month9books!

Today, we get up close and personal with

Michael Gibney

author of The Three Thorns (The Brotherhood and the Shield #1)
from Tantrum Books.

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Michael Gibney

Michael Gibney began working in restaurants at the age of sixteen and assumed his first sous chef position at twenty-two. He ascended to executive sous chef at Tavern on the Green, where he managed an eighty-person staff. He has worked in the kitchens of Morgans Hotel Group, 10 Downing in Manhattan, and Governor in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, among many others. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work alongside cooks and chefs from many of the nation’s best restaurants, including Alinea, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Bouley, Ducasse, Corton, wd~50, and Momofuku.

In addition to his experience in the food service industry, Gibney also holds a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute and an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Would You Rather With Michael Gibney

Would you rather never be able to speak again or always have to say everything that is on your mind?

Everything that is on my mind. I value honesty and the power of words, both written and audible. It’s not in my nature to stay silent, especially concerning injustice i.e. Animal Cruelty, etc.

Would you rather be able to read or be able to read minds (but be illiterate)?

I can do both. Haha. Read. I’d find reading people’s minds an invasion of their privacy, unless it was to help them.

Would you rather be able to speak fluently every language in the world or be the best in the world at something of your choosing?

Be the best in the world at something. Reason being I love the fact that learning another language is a feeling of achievement and an exciting challenge. I wouldn’t want that challenge made easy.

Would you rather read only one book over and over for the rest of your life or read as many as you want but never remember what they’re about?

Oh, tough one. Well, if you can’t remember there’s not much point. Seems like a waste of time and effort for nothing, so I’d go for reading one book and that would be J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan (aka Peter and Wendy). The best fantasy book ever written in my opinion. So simple but yet such Genius.

Would you rather only the first page of a book or the last page?

Last Page. I always have to find out how a story ends.

Would you rather read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week?

Five books a week if I could and had the time. Knowledge is power.

Would you rather read only one genre forever or never read the same genre more than once?

One genre forever because you’d quickly run out of genres, right? And there’s plenty of amazing books and various sub-genres to be found in the Sci-Fi and Horror genre. Not so much in the romance genre.

Would you rather be invisible or be able to read minds?

Invisible. Would be so much fun but not if it’s like the Predator or Hollowman/The Invisible Man. That would suck.

Would you rather never use the internet again or never watch TV again?

Never watch TV again. There’s too much sad news and superficial reality shows on TV these days and not to mention a cluster of commercials. Yes, give me the Internet, so I can watch the art, music, movies I want and keep in contact with those I love around the world. Much better than a one way street of TV.

Would you rather have one wish granted today or three granted in 10 years?

Definitely one wish granted today. Life is unpredictable and short. We’re not guaranteed anything. Also, I hate waiting. Patience is a virtue. Possess it if you can. Seldom in a woman, but never in a man.

Would you rather know it all or have it all?

Have it all. I’m a deep enough thinker and have a strong enough imagination as it is and that can be quite exhausting. So, knowing it all would drive me crazy. Plus, one would be viewed as pretentious and arrogant if they had the ability to know it all. And both are not good attributes. =)

MG_TTT_Revision4_preview

Three brothers born to a once powerful King were abandoned at birth and cast out into the old world as orphans – alone and unaware of the other’s existence or their royal heritage.

In the new world, by order of the false King, three of the most lethal assassins are sent to kill the children before they come of age and avenge their father’s throne.

But when the brothers find one another, Benjamin, Tommy and Sebastian must resist the temptation of magic and power if they are to defeat the unspeakable evil that has threatened them since birth.

The Three Thorns is book one in an exciting children’s fantasy series called The Brotherhood and the Shield from debut author Michael Gibney.