Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours
presents
TEXAS IS CHILI COUNTY
by
Judy Alter
Texas Is Chili Country Promo
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The Sword of Summer Teaser
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)
by Rick Riordan (Goodreads Author)
Book Synopsis(Goodreads):
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
Quote 1:
“Could you do a glamour and turn into something smaller?” I asked it. “Preferably not a chain, since it’s no longer the 1990s?”
The sword didn’t reply (duh), but I imagined it was humming at a more interrogative pitch, like, Such as what?
“I dunno. Something pocket-size and innocuous. A pen, maybe?”
The sword pulsed, almost like it was laughing. I imagined it saying, A pen sword. That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
― Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer
Quote 2:
“Myths are simply stories about truths we’ve forgotten.”
― Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer
Quote 3:
“My name is Magnus Chase. I’m sixteen years old. This is the story of how my life went downhill after I got myself killed.”
― Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer
Quote 4:
“What kind of animal am I eating?’
Sam wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. ‘It’s named Saehrimnir.’
‘Okay, first of all, who names their dinner? I don’t want to know my dinner’s name. This potato–is this potato named Steve?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘No, stupid. That’s Phil. The bread is Steve.”
― Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer
The Keepsake Book Blitz
The Keepsake (The Empress Chronicles #2)
by Suzy Vitello
Release Date: October 1st 2015
Summary from Goodreads:
In this second Empress Chronicles book, Liz and Sisi continue their intertwined journey through time. On the heels of discovering a magical locket in the empress diary, Liz comes to understand its very special power: the wearer must speak the truth. Not only that, but it turns out that there are three lockets, each with their own magic and power.
Meanwhile, Sisi realizes that she’s communicating with a girl who lives 150 years in the future. A girl who knows what awaits her if she marries the emperor: lack of personal freedom and a legacy that will refer to her as the “reluctant empress.”
With the world’s future hanging in the balance, the two heroines must work together to thwart Lola, whose ambition to rule the Habsburg Empire will rewrite history, and lead to a terrifying new version of reality.
Book Excerpt: Continue reading
The Pledge Trilogy Book Blitz and Giveaway
The Pledge Box Set Release Celebration
October 20th, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK
THE PLEDGE TRILOGY BOX SET
Author: Kimberly Derting
Release Date: October 20th, 2015
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
SYNOPSIS:
The complete Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy, is now available in a collectible paperback boxed set.
In The Pledge, seventeen-year-old Charlaina lives in Ludania, a country stratified by a caste system divided by language and ruled by the cruel tyrant Queen Sabara. But Charlie has a secret skill, and as clashes escalate between the totalitarian monarch and the rebel forces, Charlie might be her country’s only chance for freedom. And though Charlie lays claim to the throne in The Essence, the influence of the evil Sabara does not disappear. Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Charlie must turn to an unexpected resource for help—and to an unexpected ally for love. Then when peace negotiations go awry in The Offering, it seems the only option to secure Ludanian freedom is for Charlie to sacrifice herself. But things aren’t always as they seem. Is Charlie walking into a trap?
Full of danger, intrigue, and blood-rushing romance, this gripping trilogy is sure to satisfy and makes an ideal gift.
BOOK LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (HarperTeen). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy…a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.
TWITTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM
Book Blast Organized by:
GIVEAWAY
One Grand Prize Winner will get:
A Signed Box Set + $50.00 to the online book retailer of their choice
Must be 13 + To Enter | Ships in US Only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Girl of Myth and Legend Promo
Title: Girl of Myth and Legend
Author: Giselle Simlett
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
Book Summary:
A girl with a past she tries to forget, and a future she can’t even imagine.
Leonie Woodville wants to live an unremarkable life. She wants routine, she wants repetition, she wants predictability. So when she explodes in a blaze of light one morning on the way to her college, it’s enough to put a real crimp in her day.
And things only get weirder…
Leonie learns from her father that she is last of the Pulsar, a phenomenally powerful member of a magical species called the Chosen. It will be her sole duty to protect the Imperium, a governing hierarchy, from all enemies, and to exceed the reputation of the Pulsar before her. So – no pressure there, then.
Leonie is swept away from her rigorous normality and taken to a world of magic. There, she is forced into a ceremony to join her soul to a guardian, Korren, who is both incredibly handsome and intensely troubled, a relationship for which ‘it’s complicated’ just really doesn’t cut it.
But Leonie is soon to learn that this ancient world is no paradise. With violent dissidents intent to overthrow the Imperium, and dark entities with their own agenda, she and Korren find themselves caught in a war where they will have to overcome their differences if they are to survive.
Dare to dream. Dare to hope. Dare to be a legend.
Book One in The Chosen Saga.
About the Author:
Giselle Simlett was born and raised in England. She has studied Creative Writing at both Gloucestershire University and the Open University. She has a diploma in Creative Writing, Language and Literature and will soon complete her BA Hons Open Degree.
She does not as yet have a degree in the power and responsible use of magic, but she does have a young son, which amounts to the same thing. She currently lives in Australia with her husband and son.
Website: http://www.gisellesimlett.com/
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Finding the Great Western Trail Promo
FINDING THE GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
by
Susan Gann Mahoney
published by
Deadlock Promo
DEADLOCK
by
Diann Mills
Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?
That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.
Praise for the FBI: Houston series
“[A] fast-moving, intricately plotted thriller.” Publishers Weekly
“As romantic as it is exciting, Firewall will appeal to fans of Dee Henderson’s romantic suspense stories.” Booklist
“The tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists.” Library Journal, starred review
Read Chapter 1 of DEADLOCK HERE
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
Blog Tour Schedule:
Oct 10 – Books and Broomsticks promo
Oct 11 – All For the Love of the Word promo
Oct 12 – Texas Book Lover promo
Oct 13 – Bookishjessp promo
Oct 14 – Blogging for the Love of Authors and Their Books review
Oct 15 – Hall Ways Author Q&A
Oct 16 – MissusGonzo review
Oct 17 – The Page Unbound promo
Oct 18 – Books and Broomsticks Author Q&A
Oct 19 – The Crazy Booksellers promo
Oct 20 – Texas Book-aholic promo
Oct 21 – All For the Love of the Word review
Oct 22 – Because This is My Life, Y’all promo
Oct 23 – My Book Fix review
Oct 24 – Book Crazy Gals review
blog tour services provided by
All I’ve Never Wanted Promo
Title: All I’ve Never Wanted
Author: Ana Huang
Genre: YA
Book Summary:
The Scions were the four richest, most powerful guys at Valesca Academy, and they ruled the school with iron fists. Everyone wanted to date them or be them…everyone, that is, except Maya Lindberg, who just wanted to avoid them until she could graduate.
She almost succeeded, until an ill-advised outburst on her part put her right in the Scions’ path. Just like that, one became her fake boyfriend, one her unwanted matchmaker, one her guardian angel, and the one she couldn’t stand the most? Yeah, he’s her new housemate.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
About the Author:
Ana Huang, better known as ACRL37 on Wattpad, primarily writes Young Adult and Romance. She started writing her first novel, All I’ve Never Wanted, when she was sixteen; it was originally inspired by the Asian manga Hana Yori Dango. Her second novel, If We Ever Meet Again, was loosely based on her own study abroad experiences in college. Her stories currently have a combined view of over 20 million on Wattpad.
Besides reading and writing, she also enjoys shopping, brunch, and traveling.
Author Links:
The Summer Marked Book Blitz
The Summer Marked by Rebekah L. Purdy
(The Winter People #2)
Published by: Entangled: Teen
Publication date: September 22nd 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Book Summary
The sequel to the chilling Winter People returns to the world of Faerie, and is a romantic and enchanting follow-up.
Salome left humankind behind to be with her boyfriend, Gareth, in the Kingdom of Summer. But now forces of darkness are rising. Her happily-ever-after is coming apart, and the Kingdom is on the brink of war.
Newly-single Kadie Byers is on her way home for Thanksgiving, imagining a visit filled with hot chocolate, a hot guy for a little rebound action, and some girl time with her bestie, Salome. Except she receives a message from Salome with two important words: PLEASE HURRY.
When Kadie rushes to help Salome, she’s ripped from the human world and pulled into the kingdoms of Faerie, where she’s shocked to learn that Salome’s monsters are real, and that she’s now at the mercy of one extremely vengeful Winter Queen…
Now both Salome and Kadie must find a way to survive the deadly chaos…or lose themselves to Winter’s deadly, icy grasp.
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes
Excerpt
Kadie
A sigh escaped my lips when I watched daylight sneak through the door at the back of the room.
Somehow, I’d survived the night. My body ached as I attempted to stretch my legs out, my arms still tied to the post.
Every part of me was numb from the cold, but I was alive. As more light fractured the shadows, my gaze fell to the blood-slickened floors. It looked as if the floor tiles had bled. I buried my face against my shoulder. I wanted to cry but didn’t dare show my fear. If they realized how badly this place affected me, they’d find other ways to get inside my head or worse, maybe torture me. A shiver scraped along my spine at the thought.
I need to get out of here. I’m going to go crazy.
A lock rattled then the door flung open. Etienne sauntered inside, his white tunic opened like some seventies porn star. He gave me a sad smile.
“Good. You’re awake. The queen would like to see you.” He walked over and untied the ropes that secured me to the bed.
I cried out as my wrists were freed. The skin around them was raw and reddened from my attempts to
escape.
“What are you, her bitch?”
“You should just give in now, otherwise the Winter Queen will only make things worse.”
“Trust me, I’m gonna keep fighting until I get out of this hell hole.”
Salome
Bubbles and foam rose from the river floor as if there was an eruption below. Water sprayed my left cheek. A gurgled snort sounded beside us as a great black horse rose from the depths, river-weed tangled in its mane. This was no ordinary horse. It was a Kelpie. It turned to face me, eyes blazing like hot coals. The beast’s lips peeled back to reveal blood covered teeth. Crap. If I could reach the saddlebags, then maybe I could pull out the sword Gareth had gotten for me. I leaned to the side, reaching for the buckles. Moving at this pace and bouncing around, I couldn’t get hold of it.
Come on.
Adaba jerked to the side in an attempt to get to the shore. But it was too late. In one swift movement, the Kelpie latched onto my arm.
“No!” Pain shot through me like a bullet. I fought to stay in the saddle. My horse kicked out his hind legs, catching the Kelpie in the side. Still the creature wouldn’t release me.
Instead, it tugged harder ripping me halfway off my saddle. My knees tightened around Adaba’s sides, my fingers loosened as water slickened what grip I had. The Kelpie’s teeth sunk deeper into my arm. My hands slipped; my hold lost. Horror washed over me when I plunged into the dark, icy depths of the river. The coldness stung my skin. The creature dragged me deeper, and I kicked my legs, thrashing to free myself from it. Above me, all I saw were the distorted images of the sky as it faded from sight.
About the Author
Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. She’s lived in Michigan most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army. At which time she got a chance to experience Missouri, Kansas, South Carolina, and California. Rebekah has a business degree from University of Phoenix and currently works full time for the court system. In her free time she writes YA stories, anything from YA Fantasy to YA Contemporary Romance. Rebekah also has a big family (6 kids) she likes to consider her family as the modern day Brady Bunch complete with crazy road trips and game nights. When not hiding at her computer, Rebekah enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games, traveling, and hanging out with her family and gazillion pets.
Author Links
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Giveaway
Book Blitz Organized
Melophobia
Melophobia
by James Morris
Publisher: Kindle Press (September 22, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Rating: 4/5
Book Summary:
Melophobia: fear or hatred of music.
The time—now; the place—America, but in a world where the government controls all forms of art and creativity. Any music sowing the seeds of anarchy is banned—destroyed if found—its creators and listeners harshly punished.
Merrin Pierce works as an undercover Patrol officer assigned to apprehend a fugitive musician who threatens the safe fabric of society, only to confront everything she thought to be true – her values, upbringing, job, and future.
Can love survive in a world without music?
Publisher’s Weekly called it “a convincing alternative history novel and…an accomplished coming-of-age love story that asks big questions about freedom and expressiveness in the face of oppression.”
My Review:
This book is unlike anything I have ever read before. It’s quite literally the War on Music. Imagine a world where music is illegal. Where the sounds that make you feel all those wonderful emotions, happiness, sadness, that make you laugh and cry are stripped from society. You can’t listen to it. If you do, and you get caught, then terrible things happen to you. Melophobia takes place in present day America, but with a government that controls and regulates all things music. The government in the story wants to suppress people by taking away the one thing that could truly make them feel. The Minister approves all things Musak, a form of sounds that is dull and monotonous, completely unidentifiable and in no ways original or spectacular, or makes us feel anything at all. This Musak is given in place of music. The Minister also happens to be the father of the undercover Patrol officer Merrin Pierce. Merrin goes under several sting operations, posing as a music lover in order to shut down underground clubs and place the illegal music listeners in jail where they belong. Merrin works with Anders, a former boyfriend that now serves as her dutiful partner in handling each case. As Merrin’s success grows, she is given the biggest assignment of her life. To find The Source. The Source is a secret identity for the person, or the group of persons responsible for handing out the illicit music to the people in charge of the underground music scenes. The equivalent of a drug lord. The supplier. The one that makes the music–the one that makes such beautiful sounds.
Merrin, determined to find The Source and shut down all things music is forced to go even deeper undercover. To listen to music she’s never listened to before, and to do whatever it takes to find The Source and shut The Source down. But Merrin feels an undeniable tug from the illegal music. From the sounds that make her feel. She tries to ignores it, sure. But how long until the music takes root inside of her and becomes a part of her that she can’t deny?
Melophobia is a story about love, about the undeniable beauty in music and how it makes us feel. The story starts off a little slow, but really builds once the author sets the stage for the type of world Merrin and Anders live in. A wonderful crescendo in the story. The further Merrin goes undercover, the further she’s lulled by the power of music, the more she falls for a man named Rowan that writes Musak for her father, the more you want to read until you get to the last page with the big letters THE END and think wait, what? I want more! And then your heart races and you retrace the pages back and re-read the words THE END again. And then you think: holy cow, that ending! This is a book that sticks with you, I like to call them book hangovers. Melophobia is sure to give you a book hangover. Those are always my favorite types of books. The books you need a moment to process and think about for a time before you are ready to pick up another book. The books that are awe-inspiring, deeply moving, and you can’t stop thinking about. Melophobia has definitely given me a book hangover. There are so many great things to love about this book, and so many things to think about.
Melophobia is definitely it’s own symphony, it’s own incredible masterpiece. And the ending is quite the finale! Don’t miss out on your chance to read such an incredible unique story! James Morris is a very talented author. His ability to world build is incredible, and he gives us such memorable characters as we read through their struggles and their gains. Merrin Pierce starts off as a person that would do just about anything to uphold the law, but then we see the music transform her as her story unfolds and it’s quite beautiful to see that transformation.
I am a huge music fan. I’ve played the piano since I was 10. I received my undergrad in Music Composition. I even went to graduate school for a little while, working towards my masters in music therapy. Music is very much a part of my life. Now as a special ed teacher, I use music every day. Music does so much for us. And it’s hard to imagine a life without music. Without the ability to feel from music. When I go to the movies, and I hear a beautiful, emotional composition, not going to lie, I cry from how beautiful it is. Music is such a huge part of my life. I breathe music. The world is very well painted in Melophobia, and my heart really ached for the people that were so desperate to hear music and what happened to them once they were caught. If music was never really a part of my life, and then all of a sudden it was around me, I can only imagine how big of a sensory overload it would be for me, and how much I would be willing to do in order to keep it a part of my life. And there’s people throughout history and even now, that aren’t just talented, but truly gifted with music. That can create such wondrous sounds. The thought of taking that gift away from people truly effects me. This book really hit home for me. And it has come to my realization that there is no possible way I could survive in the world of Melophobia!
Melophobia is definitely a unique and inspiring read. It’s action packed, with a beautiful, memorable, heart wrenching love story. Melophobia is definitely a must read! For the love of music, I highly recommend reading it!
About the Author:
James Morris is a former television writer who now works in digital media. When not writing, you can find him scoping out the latest sushi spot, watching ‘House Hunters Renovation’, or trying new recipes in the kitchen. He lives with his wife and dog in Los Angeles.
Readers, if you enjoyed one of my books, please feel free to leave a review!
The Page Unbound 