Protostar Review

Posted on May 29, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Protostar (Deluxe Edition)
By Braxton A. Cosby
Release Date: Sept. 23, 2011
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Summary (Goodreads)

On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name. William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target. With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney. As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.

My Review

Protostar truly is a tale of star-crossed lovers with twists along the way. With its bittersweet moments between our romantics, William and Sydney, you truly are signing up for a whirling tale of two people quickly falling in love and desperately trying to stay together. Protostar, of course, has quite a bit of mystery surrounding just what a Star Child is and why she is so dangerous, but as you further delve into this mystery you become more and more attached to the passionate people within this thrilling tale.

Most dialogue, especially by William, is woven like a poem and is very artistically appealing to the reader while also reverting to a more old-fashioned style of love and mannerisms. What’s most curious is the internal switch between Sydney’s infatuation with William right away and mistrust when she sees through his lies. Our star-crossed lovers mostly act and react by impulse and sudden urges of what to do, making each movement a bit of a surprise in the story.

Besides following our two main characters, the book also follows the escapades of another duo. Dr. Jasmine Caruthers and Sheriff Henry Gladston that are determined to discover the reason for mysterious earthquakes occurring across the globe. What they discover can literally unravel the mind and leads them to an exciting destiny alongside William, Sydney, and another character.

This of course just reaches the tip of the iceberg with this book as it not only follows a few different characters on their journey but has many different plot lines and causes for mystery to the reader.

So what can an interested reader looking for a book find in this one?

Mystery, teenage romance, supernatural fight scenes, and future battles that may determine the fate of not just the world but also the galaxy. Also, a sarcastic Artificial Intelligence.

About the Author

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a passion for inspiring others to love, in spite of circumstance and convenience. His calling to pen a young-adult series that is smart, witty, and thought provoking, has challenged readers to answer the question: What would you choose, love or irrevocable duty? He is the CEO of the media production company Cosby Media Productions, Inc. where he develops content for film, television, music and print. Braxton lives in Atlanta, GA. He also has a blog where he discusses everything from health and entertainment to spirituality and relationships.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Production Site

The Cinderella Moment Book Blitz

Posted on May 27, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Welcome to this week’s

Swoon Romance YA Wednesdays!

This week features:

The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester!

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

The-Cinderella-Moment-Cover

“I adored this book. It made me think of Sabrina meets Anna and the French Kiss.” – Amanda

“If you love a good male lead, and you love fairy-tale style re-tellings then this is the book for you!” — Claire

“This one played out in my head like a movie.” — Michelle, Novels on the Run

“So nice to see a clean, old-fashioned romantic coming of age story. I can see Disney knocking on Ms. Kloester’s door soon. A very charming read. I will recommend to my students this fall.” —MaryAnn E.

“I just loved this book! So not was I was expecting. Clean, romantic and the fashion is to die for!” — K. Mendez

Let the masquerade begin!

Angel Moncoeur has always wanted to be a fashion designer, but without money or connections, it’s going to be a challenge. When an opportunity to leave her home in New York and head to Paris appears, Angel grabs it – even if it means masquerading as her best friend Lily. That can’t be too hard, can it? But when she falls in love with her very own Prince Charming who thinks she’s someone else, Angel embarks on a plan to secure her happy ever after.

THE CINDERELLA MOMENT is a fabulously fun story about high society, mistaken identity, love, betrayal, friendship – and great clothes!

THE CINDERELLA MOMENT is a contemporary twist on the Cinderella fairytale. There are no fantasy or magical elements. This is NOT a paranormal or fantasy novel! This is a clean contemporary coming of age story that readers can be conformtable recommending to daughters, nieces, students and friends who enjoy teen romance reads. Originally published in Austalia by Penguin. Available in the U.S. in both print and eBook from Swoon Romance.

The Cinderella Moment
by Jennifer Kloester
Publication Date: December 2013
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Amazon | B&N

About-the-Author

Jennifer Kloester

I was born in Melbourne, Australia, but have lived and worked in Papua New Guinea and the Middle East and travelled to more than thirty countries. During my time abroad I studied as an off-campus student with Deakin University and achieved my BA (Hons) while raising my three children. After graduating with a PhD in history from the University of Melbourne, I had my first two books: ‘Georgette Heyer’s Regency World’ and ‘Georgette Heyer’ (the biography) published in both the UK and the USA. I’ve had lots of fun giving talks around the world on Georgette Heyer and the Regency, and am a passionate advocate for women writers, books and reading. My first novel, ‘The Cinderella Moment’, was published by Penguin Australia and Swoon Romance in 2013 and will be followed by the sequel, The Rapunzel Dilemma in 2014. I love writing and spending time with my family, gardening, reading and going to the beach. I have a black belt in karate and am love having adventures. One of my favourite things is experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and trying out different languages. Particular interests include Georgette Heyer first editions, and after a glorious visit to South Korea in 2012, Korean language and culture.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Lion Heart Teaser

Posted on May 26, 2015 by The Page Unbound

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Lion Heart (Scarlet #3)

by A.C. Gaughen (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince’s clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

Quote 1:

“I will always return to him. I can deny it all I like,” I told her in a whisper, “but when someone holds your heart, its impossible to stay away.”
― A.C. Gaughen, Lion Heart

Quote 2:

“Rob sidled up next to me. “You don’t have to come,” he told me. “We can do it.”
Glaring at him, I said, “I’m coming. For Heaven’s sake, I put on a dress and you lot think I’m a girl.”
― A.C. Gaughen, Lion Heart

Quote 3:

“You see the world as fixed and finite, and it is not. It is liquid and ever moving, and one act can change everything.”
― A.C. Gaughen, Lion Heart

Quote 4:

“David punched him across the face.
Allan dropped like a sack of potatoes.
I crossed my arms. “Was that necessary?”
“I won’t tolerate an insult to your person,” David told me, straightening his tunic. “But no. That was more for my enjoyment.”
“Well, now you have to carry him, you know,” I told David.
He raised a grim eyebrow to me. “Worth it.”
― A.C. Gaughen, Lion Heart

The Artisans Book Promo

Posted on May 22, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Title: The Artisans
Publication date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Julie Reece

Book Summary:

They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.

To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.

Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.

But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.

Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.

Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | kobo | TBD

Book Quote:

His T-shirt rises above his navel while his jeans sink lower revealing smooth hip bones that disappear below the denim waistline. Taut muscles ripple under his golden skin. I glance away, but not before he notices me noticing him.

Damn.

He winks. “Glad to see all the neurons are still clicking. That’s a very good sign.”

I blush, then groan. I still hate him. There are little trolls in my head with sharp objects poking at my cerebral cortex. “Are you always this chipper in the mornings?”

–The Artisan, Julie Reece

Fingers, gentle, but unyielding, encircle my arm. Withoutquite knowing how, I’m whirling around until I’m chest to chest with one Gideon Maddox. The contact sends a parade of tingles throughout my body. I stand there like I’m the victim of a freeze ray gun, staring into his gorgeous, mismatched eyes.

He drops his hand and takes a step back. His expression is open, unguarded for once. “Damn.” The word comes out froggy, and he clears his throat. “I wanted to … damn.”

–The Artisan, Julie Reece

My Thoughts:

I think this book sounds INCREDIBLE. I cannot wait to read it! Also be sure to check out below the rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Chapter By Chapter! To find more excited information on The Artisans be sure to check out The Artisans Blog Tour!

ABOUT JULIE REECE:

Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.

Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

THE GIVEAWAY:

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Book Tour Hosted by:

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Decree of Hope Cover Reveal

Posted on May 22, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Decree of Hope

by Beth Fred

Release Date: 09/01/14

Summary from Goodreads:

When insecure eighteen-year-old Kailee Hill gets caught tagging Iraq war refugee, Abrahem Yohanna’s garage, she’s not expecting him to act as her designated driver, hold her hair back when she pukes, or offer to be a shoulder to cry on. But she’s failing chemistry and her life is falling apart, so she uses the number Abe leaves her and finds herself with a new tutor.The two quickly find themselves falling hard for each other. Kailee attacks a local grunt when he calls Abe a “sand nigger” and fights with her veteran brother to be with him. When she learns Abe hasn’t told his family about her, she’s heartbroken and the couple risks losing everything they’ve worked to build. To make matters worse, Kailee’s previous acts make her the prime suspect in a serious crime. With Kailee behind bars and doubting his feelings for her, Abe must find a way to rescue the girl he loves and win back her affection . And to do that he’ll have to catch a crook…

About the Author

I’m a full time ELF keeper and part time writer/blogger/writing instructor. I’m represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. I like my tea hot, my romance sweet, and my guys chivalrous. Real men hold open doors, refer to you as ma’am, make promises they keep, and aren’t afraid to profess their undying love. It’s not breakfast if there aren’t carbs(at least, not in the South). Fajitas, carnitas, and churros are just few of my favorite things. Bet you can’t guess where I’m from 😉

Author Links:

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Tarnished Cover Reveal

Posted on May 21, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Tarnished (Perfected #2)

by Kate Jarvik Birch

Release Date: 2015

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Freedom comes at a cost…

Ella was genetically engineered to be the perfect pet—graceful, demure…and kept. In a daring move, she escaped her captivity and took refuge in Canada. But while she can think and act as she pleases, the life of a liberated pet is just as confining as the Congressman’s gilded cage. Her escape started a revolution, but she’s trapped, unable to get back to Penn—the boy she loves—or help the girls who need her.

Back in the United States, pets are turning up dead. With help from a very unexpected source, Ella slips deep into the dangerous black market, posing as a tarnished pet available to buy or sell. If she’s lucky, she’ll be able to rescue Penn and expose the truth about the breeding program.

If she fails, Ella will pay not only with her life, but the lives of everyone she’s tried to save…

Book One:(cover linked to Goodreads)

Praise for Perfected:

“Compelling, imaginative, and unique. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!”

— Mary Lindsey, author of Shattered Souls

Buy Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Kate Jarvik Birch is a visual artist, author, playwright, daydreamer, and professional procrastinator. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be either a unicorn or mermaid. Luckily, being a writer turned out to be just as magical. Her essays and short stories have been published in literary journals including Indiana Review and Saint Ann’s Review. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and three kids. To learn more visit www.katejarvikbirch.com

Author Links:

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The Fading Dusk Cover Reveal

Posted on May 21, 2015 by The Page Unbound

The Fading Dusk by Melissa Giorgio
(Smoke and Mirrors #1)
Publication date: July 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Book Synopsis:

In the gritty city of Dusk, seventeen-year-old Irina makes her living as the street magician Bantheir’s assistant. The job isn’t glamorous, but she loves the crowds, the shows, and most of all, the illusion of magic. But Irina’s world is shattered the night she is arrested and charged as Bantheir’s accomplice to murder—murder by magic.

Real magic, the kind that’s been forbidden since the old wars.

Irina finds the idea of flashy showman Bantheir using actual magic to kill someone laughable, but she’s the only one who sees how ridiculous the claim is. But how can she convince everyone Bantheir is innocent when they’ve already made up their minds? Desperate, Irina must decide who she can trust to help her win her freedom. Is the surly, handsome Captain Leonid telling the truth when he says he believes Irina is innocent, or is he just using her to get to Bantheir? What about Aden, the sweet soldier and longtime fan of Irina’s who claims he’s on her side?

Irina said she wanted to know the truth, but when she stumbles across a dark secret that changes everything, will she be strong enough to survive?

My Thoughts:

Isn’t that cover just GORGEOUS?! And the book synopsis sound incredible! I can’t want to check this book out!

About the Author:

Melissa Giorgio is a native New Yorker who graduated from Queens College with a degree in English. She’s always dreamed of being a writer and has been creating stories (mostly in her head) since she was a little girl. Also an avid reader, Melissa loves to devour thick YA novels. When not reading or writing, she enjoys watching animated films, listening to music by her favorite Japanese boy band, or exploring Manhattan.

The Sight Seer, published June 12th 2013 by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly, is the first book in the Silver Moon Saga. In November of 2013, An Autumn Dream, a Silver Moon Saga novella that takes place between books one and two was published. The Soul Healer, the second book in the series, was published in April of 2014. A Promise of Magic, the second novella in the Saga, was published in November of 2014.

Look for the final book in the series, The Shadow Stealer, February 27th, 2015!

Twitter | Facebook| Website | Instagram | Pinterest

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A Question of Counsel Book Blitz

Posted on May 20, 2015 by The Page Unbound

A Question of Counsel by Archer Kay Leah
Publication date: May 27th 2015
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Life hasn’t been easy for Aeley since she arrested her brother, and her role as a political leader leaves her feeling isolated and lonely. Days before her brother’s trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest scribe who makes Aeley want more than just a professional relationship.

When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family–a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.

Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

Excerpt

“It could be any one of the available men and I still wouldn’t be happy about it.” The words

tumbled from Aeley’s lips before she could stop herself. “It isn’t just your brothers being

themselves, it’s the whole concept of giving myself over to a guy I don’t care for. I have no

interest in sleeping with them, or procreating. And it isn’t because I don’t know how—I know

how. I’ve slept with guys before; I just don’t care for it. I don’t get pleasure from it like everyone

thinks I should. I know Father wanted me to find someone nice, but his idea of nice isn’t the

same as mine.”

“Is it the same reason why you and Mayr aren’t together?”

“Partially,” Aeley replied. “That, and he’s my best friend. The only one who really

understands me. We never wanted to ruin it.” She tilted her head back to stare at the stars. “If

only it wasn’t your brothers. If only it was y—”

Closing her mouth, she knew she’d said too much already. It always happened whenever they

were together. Rarely did she tell anyone her most private thoughts, and when she did, she

trusted only Mayr. But even then, she preferred to keep her deepest thoughts to herself,

protecting them as if they were precious and easily shattered. Why could she not stop exposing

those secrets when she was with Lira?

“What were you saying?” Lira asked softly, her eyes searching Aeley’s.

“Nothing. Never mind. I was rambling.”

“Or telling the truth.”

When Aeley turned, Lira stepped closer. Their chests touched—a deliberate move, Aeley

realized, when Lira leaned into her. She watched the rise and fall of Lira’s chest under the simple

gold pendant around her neck.

“Imagine if you could tell me everything, without worrying about what I’d think,” Lira

murmured. Her face neared Aeley’s. “Maybe this is exactly the change you wanted. Maybe you

just need more time to put everything together. Or maybe you just need all the pieces.”

There was no time to breathe before Lira’s lips touched hers, coaxing a soft kiss from Aeley

with a gentle push and tug.

Her thoughts spun. Aeley raised her hand to the balcony to keep steady, only barely

registering the fact that her hand made it halfway before stopping in the air. Was the silence just

in her head or had the music stopped?

By the time Aeley realized what was happening, Lira’s lips left.

“Something for you to think about,” Lira whispered. Without waiting for a reply, she walked

towards the ballroom.

She paused in the doorway and looked back, the light from the room illuminating her face

and giving her skin a yellow glow. Her lips showed the hint of a smile, but her eyes said

everything.

About the Author

Archer Kay Leah was raised in Ontario, Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer’s family and the never-ending need to be creative, it has been this diversity that has inspired Archer’s love of toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and crazy situations.

Archer started writing stories at age six and became “that kid” with their nose in the books and a pen in their hand, pursuing the challenges of writing novels at age thirteen and conquering the dread of poetry at fifteen. Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged.

When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek who has too many hobbies, keeping busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along, especially if it is in technological form. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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An Ember in the Ashes Teaser

Posted on May 19, 2015 by The Page Unbound

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An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1)

by Sabaa Tahir (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Quote 1:

“Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes

Quote 2:

“There are two kinds of guilt. The kind that’s a burden and the kind that gives you purpose. Let your guilt be your fuel. Let it remind you of who you want to be. Draw a line in your mind. Never cross it again. You have a soul. It’s damaged but it’s there. Don’t let them take it from you.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes

Quote 3:

“Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes

Riders Cover Reveal

Posted on May 18, 2015 by The Page Unbound

Check out this awesome cover reveal for Veronica Rossi’s new novel Riders.

Book Summary:

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon Finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen–Conquest, Famine and Death– are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now–bound, bloodied, and drugged– Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any change of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for–not to mention all of humankind–he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

My Thoughts:

I simply cannot wait to read this book! Doesn’t it sound FANTASTIC?! OMG and that cover is BEAUTIFUL! Anyone else excited for this book? Looks like we have to wait until February 2016!!!