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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Breathe Me by Jeri Williams Blog Tour and Giveaway



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Title: Breathe Me: A ‘Me’ Novel
Author: Jeri Williams
Audience: New Adult Over 18+
Genre: Romance
Format: Ebook & Paperback
Publisher: Gone Writing Publishing
Cover by: Najla Qamber Designs
Pages: 234 Pages
ISBN: 1517247462
ASIN: B01373A6WS
Date Published: July 31, 2015





You know how you hear those stories about once abused kids growing up and overcoming the difficult lie they have been dealt? They become majorly successful— like FBI agents or lawyers or something cool and never have any lingering problems?
Well, this isn’t one of those stories. In fact, those stories are just that, stories. They are things that I read about in the many books I bury myself in when I’m alone. I used to know how my life was going to be, how I was going to live out my lifeless days: unloved and fearful. Hopeless to the possibility that life, my life, could be anything better than what it is now.
I knew that I would either give up, or give in, either one would eventually be the end of me; I didn’t think that was so bad. I would no longer be constantly reminded that I was sh*t, and would be sh*t, no matter how hard I tried to make it different. I thought it was all easier just to slip away.
But that was before, before Deklan.
***For Mature Readers only due to strong language and sexual content***








Jeri Williams lives a super fabulous lifestyle (by fabulous, she mean's kinda lame) in the hot Florida sun and loves reading of any kind (except instruction manuals and cereal boxes). She has always written stories and made her family listen to them since she was young, although this is her first book she has ever published. She is a mom of an up-and-coming Jerry Seinfeld (in girl form) and also enjoys being right and knowing everything, although she is hardly ever right and really doesn't know anything and is obsessed with inventing miniature zoo animals you can carry around in your pocket (although not really).










Monday, October 19, 2015

Portia by Christina Bauer with Author Interview and Giveaway

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Title: Portia
Series: Angelbound Offspring
Vol or Book #: 2portia gif
Author: Christina Bauer
Audience: Adult 18+
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly
Editor: Ink Monster LLC
Pages: 250 pages
ISBN: 9780990635246
ASIN: B00W2A9Q0G
Date Published: 10-27-15

blurb (1)
Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn't known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires.
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excerpt (1)

Chapter One

I am so late.
My heart beats at double speed while I rush up the staircase to the Ryder mansion. After pulling open the fancy wooden door, I step inside a large and empty foyer. Well, it’s almost empty.
The President of Purgatory is waiting for me. Not good.
Even worse, her mouth is pressed into a thin and frustrated line. No question why she’s unhappy. My lecture on Magic Across The After-Realms should’ve started twenty minutes ago.
“Portia, you’re finally here,” she sighs. “We were getting frantic.”
The President’s known for being tough on crime, graft, and well, everything really. But she’s also my grandmother. When it comes to family, Gram’s a softie who worries like crazy. I should know, being a softie myself. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “So sorry, Gram. I got caught up.”
Gram’s tail sways warily over her right shoulder. No shock, there. Every quasi-demon in Purgatory has a tail. Gram’s variety is long and black with an arrowhead-shaped end and a mind of its own. Currently, that mind totally suspects that I’m up to something.
Good suspicion, actually.
“What are you working on this time?” asks Gram. “Is it dangerous magic? Please tell me you’re being safe.”
“No, it’s not dangerous at all,” I say.
Which isn’t entirely true.
My cheeks redden with guilt, but I can’t exactly admit that I was up all night trying to track Void demons by casting spells with an enchanted canopic jar. It’s super-tricky stuff. I could’ve ended up with a Void demon in my living room, and I’m not what you call battle-hardy.

Angels with Attitude - Author Interview

What would you have done differently if you were the main character of your book ?

Portia is far more patient than I am. I have serious anger management issues when compared to her. I would have freaked out on everyone early on and never met Tempest. 

What was your inspiration behind this book? 

Portia came into being because one of the characters, Tempest, wouldn’t get out of my head. He started showing up in a book I wrote called Scala (I had to cut him from it) and after that, he kept showing up in other scenes. I was like, hey now! You are who and why do you keep crashing these parties? Finally, I gave him a book and he calmed down.

Why did you become a writer?

I started telling ‘my stories’ as soon as I could talk. By the time I hit first grade, the nuns had to set aside story hour for me at the end of the day so I wouldn’t interrupt class anymore! To this day, stories are going on in my head all the time. My Aunt was a writer, so she steered me in that direction from an early age. Guess I was lucky she didn’t work in an asylum, because I sometimes wonder where my behavior could have sent me otherwise!

Do you have a favorite author or authors?

I love J R R Tolkien. He created the entire sword and sorcery fantasy genre as a backstory for the languages he was inventing while being a smarty pants at Oxford. That’s some serious geek cred. 

Do you like to write your books in a continuing series? 

It’s the only way to fly, at least when it comes to fantasy. You spend so much of your first book establishing the world, it’s only in books 2 or 3 you can really work up a head of steam. 

If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why?

Right now, I’d date Tempest in a heartbeat. I always get a girl crush on my leading guys. 

What kinds of books do you like to read in your spare time?

I read paranormal romance or fantasy romance. I like regular romance as well, but there has to be some strong world building so you get to know a sub-group or something that you’d never otherwise meet. I also love when there is an elaborate backstory that plays out over multiple books. Again, that’s something you’re more likely to find in paranormal or fantasy.

As a reader and writer I think it is important to get to know your fans and make a connection with them as an author who takes the extra step to hear what their fans think and want in their continued writing is continued success and key to selling more books .Do you agree with that?

Hell, yes! Especially in fantasy, readers become part of your extended universe. I read every review and take it to heart. I love getting ideas and requests for new books. Bring it on!

Do you cry when writing sad scenes?
I ball my eyes out. That’s how I know I’ve nailed it.

Did you have a Cover Designer?

We work with a number of folks at Ink Monster. It’s a great team!

Who is your fictional boyfriend or girlfriend crush? 

Mr. Darcy. Pride and Prejudice. End of story.

Do just re-read your favorite books? 

Not very often, actually. It’s such a powerful experience for me the first time. 

Do you ever get in a reading slump like your readers do? 

Hell, yes! I read a book a day and go through terrible slumps. There is nothing more depressing than the inability to find a good book…and nothing better than finding a new author I love with a ton of unread novels! 

What is the funniest book you ever read?

Without Feathers by Woody Allen. Classic. 

Questions? Comments?
CBauer (at) inkmonster.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer
Twitter: @CB_Bauer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Christina_Bauer

about the author (1)
image
 
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. An avowed girl geek, Christina loves creating immersive fantasy worlds with action, adventure, romance, and kick-ass female protagonists. As part of her work in Ink Monster, Christina has co-developed the ‘Heroine’s Journey,’ a blueprint for telling female myths inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and golden retriever Ruby.
 
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Instagram Username : CHRISTINA_CB_BAUER

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Monday, October 5, 2015

One Week Blog Tour for Quanta by Lola Dodge From October 5 - 13, 2015



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QUANTA GIF
Title: Quanta
Series: The Shadow Ravens
Vol or Book #: 2
Author: Lola Dodge
Audience: YA
Genre: Sci-Fi
Format: E-book and Paperback
Publisher:Ink Monster, LLC
Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly
Editor: Ink Monster, LLC
Pages: 250
ISBN: 9780996086479
ASIN: B00NQAD0TE
Date Published:10-13-15


blurb (1)

Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.
The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.
Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?
 
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excerpt (1)

Altair’s POV


Mother smiled like a cat, full of ambition and smugness. “Someone wants to meet you.”
Someone? Suddenly, I knew where this was going. “Mother—”
“There are the Astors.” Mother gave a demure wave and started gliding toward a trio standing near an ice sculpture. Her fingers clamped my arm, dragging me along. Father walked on my other side, sandwiching me in place.
No way to run without making a scene. Senator Astor and her husband stood waiting with their daughter.
A set-up.
My free hand bunched into a fist, but I tucked it into my pocket. I couldn’t make a mistake in front of this audience.
Mother exchanged greetings, then made a sweeping gesture. “This is my son, Altair. Altair, this is Layla Astor.”
Layla’s blonde hair tumbled in artful curls and braids. She wore tasteful neutral makeup that emphasized her full lips and emerald green eyes, but a hint of darker eyeliner smudged like a leftover from some previous night’s debauchery; that was half of what I needed to know to escape the conversation.
And I would escape. I had no interest in these shallow romances meant to gain my family position.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Altair. I knew your sister at academy.” And that was why Cass had been invited. Some common bond to me to a potential future mate.
Good thing Cass had stayed home. She’d hate the situation as much as I did.
The girl extended her arm, flashing her Green Helix and I couldn’t avoid the handshake. “Likewise.” Layla’s rough fingertips gave me the last clue I needed. Calluses from playing an instrument. Between that and the eyeliner, I had an excellent guess at how to get rid of her. Rather than sell her out in front of her parents, I offered her an arm. “I was just about to admire the ice sculptures. Would you care to join me?”
“I’d love to.” She smiled and placed delicate fingertips on my arm.
Our parents grinned conspiratorial smiles as we strolled away. No doubt they’d already picked a wedding date. I waited until we were out of modified earshot to speak. “How upset would your family be if I mentioned that you play in a band?”
“Very.” Layla tensed, and her expression and tone shifted from vapid politeness to shrewd consideration. “Not that you should know.”
I shrugged. “I won’t say a thing as long as you don’t press an engagement.”
“Thank God.” Layla shuddered. “Our mothers schemed this one. I thought you were in on it.”
I grinned. I didn’t often stumble onto others faking their way through Helix life, but every so often an ally dropped in my lap. “Should we small talk for a few minutes and then pretend to offend each other?”
Layla pressed her lips together, eying me up and down. “If you’re up to it, I have a better suggestion.”
“Oh?” I handed her a drink taken from a passing tray. Our parents still watched from across the room.
“Let’s meet for coffee. We could draw this out for months.”
“A faux courtship?” It had promise, although there were certainly risks.
“You’re the first guy they’ve set me up with who’s not a self-centered ass.” Layla’s mischievous smile made her eyes sparkle. “My girlfriend would love you.”
Her voice was clear of subterfuge and I found myself smiling back. “Next week? I’m sure our parents already exchanged our contact information.” And faking a relationship would save me getting blindsided at every event.
“Call me.” She finger-waved and then headed for a crowd of friends, who proceeded to glance my way, slipping a few quickly smothered cackles. I nodded before heading off to work the crowd.
Despite my parents’ efforts, the night was going better than expected.


Angels with Attitude - Author Interview


What would you have done differently if you were the main character of your book?


Probably die. I don’t do very well with running for my life.


What was your inspiration behind this book?

The series was actually co-created with Aileen Erin and Christina Bauer. We all write a pair of characters in the shared world, and we’ve been brainstorming together for a few years now. It’s fun not having to think of every little thing yourself!

Why did you become a writer?

I wasn’t happy in the job I was working, so I decided to give the dream a serious try. So far I’m not living in a van down by the river, so things are going better than expected!


Do you have a favorite author or authors?


J.R. Ward, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Cindy Pon, Anne McCaffrey, Diana Wynne Jones. So many!

Do you like to write your books in a continuing series? 


Usually! If you’re going to build a whole world, it’s nice to stay with it for a while. I know when I’m reading I love seeing the world unfold and reveal its layers over the course of a series.


If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why?


Probably Jamie Fraser from Outlander (the Sam Heughan version) because he’s fantastic and Scottish accents are melty.

What kinds of books do you like to read in your spare time?

I read a good amount of non-fiction these days (and my teenage self would think that’s horrible). Otherwise, a mix of YA, romance, fantasy, and SF.

As a reader and writer I think it is important to get to know your fans and make a connection with them as an author who takes the extra step to hear what their fans think and want in their continued writing is continued success and key to selling more books .Do you agree with that?

For sure! If fans want something I can give, then I’ll make it happen. I actually wrote Junglecat Honeymoon (from my series of superhero romance novellas) because Melissa and Sharonda wanted more were-panther action. Ask and you shall receive!!

Do you cry when writing sad scenes?

No. My emotions are stable to a fault. I only cry for really catastrophic life events and when hormones make me choke up at stupid things like soda commercials.

Did you have a Cover Designer?

Yes! Ana Cruz did the artwork for Quanta (and Cipher). She’s done the art for all the Ink Monster covers to date. We have a separate graphic designer who does the text. The results are always awesome!

Who is your fictional boyfriend or girlfriend crush? 

It’s hard to pick one, but I did always have a thing for Oliver Wood from Harry Potter. I was a lacrosse keeper, he was a quidditch keeper… It would’ve been magic!

If you were able to dine and have a one on one with your favorite writer/author who would it be?

It makes me sad that I never got to meet Anne McCaffrey or Diana Wynne Jones. I’d really love to bring them back and thank them for inspiring me.

Do just re-read your favorite books? 

When I was growing up, I reread the same ones over and over again. I read Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness and Immortals series more times than I can remember. Now I don’t have time to do that, but I still go on an Anne McCaffrey kick every once in a while.



Definitely. I’ve gotten pickier and pickier about what I read since I started learning about writing. I have to read outside of my genre a lot more, but that’s a good thing. 

What is the funniest book you ever read?


I’m going to go with Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
about the author (1)

::author photos:LOLA DODGE.jpg
Lola is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University—and hasn’t stopped moving since. When she’s not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can’t melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

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