The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie Miller Review

Hey readers. First off HAPPY HALLOWEEN and second off HAPPY FRIDAY! So yeah, you guys should all be having an amazing day right now! I have a VERY special book review to share with you guys today! I am going to be participating in the blog tour for this read next week, but wanted to share my review with you guys just in time for Halloween! This time up for review? The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie Miller! Here's a bit about the book and our author before we get to my thoughts:

In the small town of Carolville, Louisiana, no one knows that Adira Collins inherited mystic powers from her great-grandmother. All they know is that she’s beautiful, poised, graceful, and ruthless—especially when it comes to love. And no one knows that more than Leena Williams, who was all set to marry the man of her dreams until Adira swooped into town and stole the man’s heart.

Being left at the altar is bad enough, but Leena and her ex share custody of their son, so she has to see the new Mrs. Collins on a regular basis.

And it burns every time she does.

But soon, Leena starts to suspect that there is more to Adira Collins than meets the eye. And it’s not because she owns some kinky lingerie shop or allegedly insulted the pastor’s wife: it’s the strange way she can make a door close without touching it, or take one look at something and make it drop dead at her feet. Leena starts digging for answers and soon discovers that, unlike her public persona, Adira’s true nature is somewhere on the other side of grace. She also learns, a little too late, that some secrets are better left buried.

** Before we go any further, can I just express my love for this cover? Seriously, it's going on my all time favorite cover list!**

Quanie Miller

  
Quanie Miller grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. She fell in love with reading at an early age and spent most of her time at the Iberia Parish Library discovering authors like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike (she was often found walking back home from the library with a stack of books that went up to her chin). She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and San Jose State University. She has been the recipient of the James Phelan Literary Award, the Louis King Thore Scholarship, the BEA Student Scriptwriting Award, and the Vicki Hudson Emerging Writing Prize. She is the author of The New Mrs. Collins, a southern paranormal novel, and It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy, a romantic comedy. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is currently, as always, working on another novel. To find out more about Quanie and her works in progress visit quanietalkswriting.com.

Social Media Links
Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Website
Email: quanie@quanietalkswriting.com  

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My Thoughts:

Just a few weeks ago I came across this read on a fellow bloggers' site and based on the cover alone, I fell in love! After reading the synopsis, I knew that this was the book for me. Especially considering it was a Halloween read! You guys all know how much I love Halloween!

Mrs. Quanie Miller has bestowed upon us one of the greatest paranormal reads of the year, in my opinion. Why? Why not. From a gripping plot, to outstanding characters, The New Mrs. Collins had me glued to my Nook!

At one point during my reading I looked up and said "Did Charlaine Harris change her name to Quanie Miller?" Seriously guys. No offense Mrs. Charlaine, but you better scoot over, Mrs. Quanie is coming in hot! 

Leena, our female MC, was one of the most fun characters to read. She was funny, independent, and strong willed. I love a good strong female read more than just about anything, and Mrs. Miller hit this one on the head, spot on! Leena goes through so much in this novel, enough to break most women, but not Leena. In the end not only does Leena make it through, she comes out on top and for the better, regardless of all the horrible things that happen from cover to cover. She goes through such a roller coaster of emotions, it is sometimes hard to keep up, but being a southern lady she handles it perfectly! Leena was one one of the amazing characters in this novel. Corie, her son, was written to perfection. Adira, our resident villain, was seriously one of the best characters I have ever read about. She was so easy to relate to, yet so hard to understand. Complicated? That's the point. In the end, we leave these character being reminded of a very powerful message: "love is the greatest weapon of them all".

The way the plot for this story was lined out was a little different from others I have read. To some it may seem confusing, but to me it worked out perfectly. Instead of having one single narrative, our story switches several times and continues the story from the eyes of someone else. Sometimes it's another MC, other times, it's the neighbor, or a character in a flashback. It was a big gamble to write the narratives in that fashion, but I believe it paid off in spades. The multiple narratives not only gave us vital information about the character, but also gave the reader great insight to the mentality of the community. It was an excellent decision on the part of Mrs. Miller.

When it comes to witchcraft, I have to admit, I thought I had seen it all. I've seen sexy witches, I've seen scary witches, I've seen wand-carrying, broom-riding witches, but never before have I seen a witch quite like the one Mrs.Miller has written in this novel. A no holds bar, ruin your life, no remorse, EVIL witch. A villainous witch so scary, it moved this book into the horror genre for me. She was scary! Woah!

I sent the following in an email to Mrs. Quanie and feel like I can share it here to help talk about my love for this read: "The New Mrs. Collins was a special read for me. I grew up in/around the Tennessee/Kentucky area, and while nowhere near as Southern as Louisiana, I found myself able to relate to so many of the nuances that made the setting to your story special. The gossipy townspeople; the small town atmosphere; the superstition, oh yeah, I could totally relate to the setting of this story! And the expressions the characters used, I loved it! It felt more like I was in the story rather than merely reading it!" That is pretty high praise for a novel, especially coming from me! Seriously guys, I could NOT get enough of this incredible book. I FLEW through it in just a few sittings because I couldn't put it down. Seriously. Yes. Seriously.

As if this is fixing to come as a shock to anyone; all-in-all, I am granting The New Mrs. Collins not only a near perfect 5-star review, but also a place on my Top Reads of 204 list! I do not have a single negative thing to say. I really enjoyed it THAT much. From the fun setting to the paranormal creepiness, all the way to that ending that BLEW me away, The New Mrs. Collins was a terrific read that has left me BEGGING for more! Kudos to you Mrs. Miller, you've gained a fan for life here!
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Where can you get your copy?

Right now the novel is available exclusively on Amazon, so follow the button below to pick up your copy now for only $3.99! I know I'm going to have to order a paperback to get our author to sign me a copy soon! I've got to have this one for my shelf!

 
Alright everyone, that is all I have for you on the topic of The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie Miller. A fantastic read that had me breaking out in goosebumps on more than one occasion. SUCH A GOOD BOOK! What are you waiting for, go get yourself a copy ASAP! Be sure to be on the look out for my exclusive interview with our author, Quanie Miller, in the coming week! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan 

Lost Blood by Emma Raveling Cover Reveal

Hey readers. Thanks for stopping by, I've got a fun cover reveal for you guys today. Check out the cover and some info about the book below!

Lost Blood by Emma Raveling
(Chancer, #1)
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

They are the Strange, those born of magic, myths, and legends. Beings who defy scientific explanation, whose physical and mental abilities far surpass the limitations of the human body.
When they first appeared, the world resisted, frightened by their powers. But after decades of bloodshed, humanity finally accepted that the Strange were here to stay.
A tenuous peace exists. For now.

WELCOME TO BRANNIGAN CITY

Seventeen-year-old Delaney Corbeau is one of the Skilled. As a Chancer, she uses her magic to help humans find everything from misplaced keys and hidden heirlooms to lost pets.
She can find anyone and anything…except the two people she needs the most.
Liam Connelly is an Earth Shifter and son of Brannigan City’s Alpha. When his older brother goes missing, he must turn to his former childhood friend for help. Delaney’s the only person who can locate him.
The problem is they haven’t spoken in four years.
When a reclusive art collector hires Delaney to locate a stolen antique Japanese book, her path crosses with Liam once again. Soon, the simple retrieval job becomes something much more terrifying.
An old evil is stirring and it’s determined to punish every living being in Brannigan City, both Strange and human.
Delaney and Liam will have to work together if they want to survive.
Lost Blood is the first book in Emma Raveling’s new Chancer series, featuring two unlikely allies and a mysterious, thrilling adventure set in a dark world full of monsters and magic.

EMMA RAVELING

Emma Raveling writes a wide variety of fiction for teens and adults. She is the author of the young adult urban / contemporary fantasy series, the Ondine Quartet, and Lost Blood, the first installment of the forthcoming young adult urban fantasy series, Chancer. She’s also working on the first book in her new Steel Magic series for adults.

An avid traveler hopelessly addicted to diet coke and coffee, she currently resides in Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband and German shepherd.

Author Links:

https://twitter.com/emmaraveling

http://emmaraveling.com/

 

https://www.facebook.com/emmaraveling

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4633056.Emma_Raveling

What do you guys think? That cover's great and the synopsis sounds amazing, right? It's definitely going on my TBR! Special thanks to the team at XPresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this cover reveal. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

A Reaper Made by Liz Long Release Day Launch + Excerpt

Hello readers and a VERY Happy Thursday to you all! You may not realize this, but today is one of the best days you will have this week. Not only is Halloween TOMORROW, but TODAY is the release day for one of my most anticipated (and favorite) books of the year: A Reaper Made by the amazing Liz Long! Here's the cover, the official synopsis, an excerpt, AND a giveaway to get you pumped!

A Reaper Made 

Release Date: October 30, 2014

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy

 

Grace had finally gotten used to her new afterlife as a “Made” – a Reaper who used to be human. When Made Reapers and souls begin disappearing, however, Grace and her mentor Tully suspect demons. Grace’s worst fears are confirmed when her living family is threatened.

She’ll have to break every rule in the Reaper book to save them, including using a little magic to become temporarily human. With the help of Tully and her witchy friend Tessa, Grace goes undercover to save the fates of kidnapped souls – only to discover that demons aren’t working alone. Betrayal and distrust runs deep and Grace discovers that sometimes even Reapers are prone to humanity. 

   

Does this book not sound AMAZING? I'll let you in on a little secret, it is! Here's a bit about our author, Liz Long:

About the Author:

Liz Long is a ridiculously proud graduate of Longwood University with a BA in English. Her inspiration comes from action and thriller genres and she spends entirely too much time watching superhero movies. Her fabulous day job as a social media editor includes writing for a publishing company in Roanoke, VA.

Her first book, Gifted, is the first book in the Donovan Circus series, where superpowers meets the circus. Burned is the second adventure. Her standalone book Witch Hearts, is a story about a serial killer hunting witches for their powers. All titles are available at Amazon on Kindle and paperback, Barnes & Noble for Nook, and iBooks.

Find Liz Online

Website  I  Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Amazon Author Page

Excerpt

A REAPER MADE – CHAPTER 1

The old woman in the hospital bed took in a ragged sigh that sounded like a struggle. She looked around the room, to the bouquet of wildflowers that sat in a plastic jar at the foot of her bed. Then her watery blue eyes focused in on me, sitting in the chair next to her. I sat up, leaned in to take her wrinkled hand in my smooth one.
“Who are you?” she asked, her tone fearful.
“I think you already know the answer to that, Anna,” I said, keeping my voice low and smooth. No need to further frighten them before they passed on.
“An angel?”
I shook my head, a curtain of dark hair swaying with the motion. She swallowed hard.
“You’re Death.”
“Not quite. More like an escort.”
“A R-reaper.”
Many humans knew us by name, but it still surprised me when they came out and said it. I nodded, a slow movement to prevent her from panicking. Everyone feared dying. It was my job to help them transition.
Anna looked to the closed door and back to me. “You…can anyone else see you?”
“When I want them to, yes. Right now, however, it’s just you and me.”
The old woman blinked hard and when she opened them again, a single tear streaked down her cheek. I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Anna, it’s all right. You’re moving on.”
“To where?”
I shook my head. “I can’t answer that. No one can. You must discover it for yourself.”
Anna withdrew her trembling hand from mine, put it over her heart. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“I wouldn’t be here if you weren’t.”
“What about my family? My daughter, my grandchildren? Can I say goodbye?”
“You saw them this morning, don’t you remember?”
Confusion crossed her face. Anna had been struggling with dementia in addition to her illness, but I knew to be patient. It was in the job description. When she still didn’t speak, I prodded a little.
“Anna, it’s time.”
She gave me another scared look. “Will it hurt?”
“No,” I assured her. “All you need to do is close your eyes and relax.”
Anna appeared to consider her options, her grip tightening on the thin sheets. She sucked in a deep breath, wincing at the rattle in her lungs. Then she steeled herself, looked at me and nodded. “Okay. I’m ready.”
I gave her a warm smile and put my hands on hers. “Close your eyes.”
She did as instructed, the scared look on her face fading as she relaxed into the bed. I sent warmth from my hands to hers, waited for her soul to disengage from her physical body. After maybe ten seconds, I felt a shift in Anna. A sigh escaped her, the air leaving her withering lungs and decaying body. Keeping my hands on hers, I stood and waited.
Then Anna’s spirit came forward, her hand in mine as she lifted herself from the physical plane. Without problem, Anna stood tall next to me, looking younger than she had in years. Her body may have been old and weathered, but her soul, as like most others, appeared younger, vibrant. Most of the older souls, once out of the body that held them back, were happy to feel alive again. It was one of my favorite things about the job, to see the light shine in their eyes after years of aging and physical pain.
Anna gripped my hand, looked back to her body lying peacefully on the bed. She gave me a relieved look. “You were right, that didn’t hurt at all.”
“I’m glad,” I told her with a smile. “Do you want to say goodbye?”
“To that old thing?” she said, waving her hand at her wrinkled body. “I suppose I should, but now that I’m out, all I can think about is the next step.”
“Not unusual,” I said, the corners of my mouth turning upward. Now that Anna was free, the spunk she’d had in her youth returned. I motioned my head towards the door. “Come. Walk with me.”
She didn’t let go of my hand as we walked through the door and out into the hallway. No one so much as blinked at us as we wandered. At first, Anna tried to skirt around obstacles and people, before she realized she went right through them. Before we’d even reached the end of the hallway, she was practically skipping.
“I haven’t felt this good in years,” she said. “Do you think I’ll reunite with my husband?”
“I can’t answer that for certain, but he’ll know you’re coming. He’ll find you if he can.”
“He used to say he’d follow me anywhere. I’ve missed him so much.” She smiled at the memory, then paused as though realizing something. She turned to me. “What is your name?”
“Grace.”
“Grace,” she repeated. “Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure. Would you like to continue walking or do you think you’re ready?”
Anxiety flashed across Anna’s face before she swallowed hard and nodded. “I think…I think I’m ready to go.”
I squeezed her hand. “May you find peace in your afterlife.”
A warm breeze swept through the hallway, though the living continued as though nothing were happening. The wind found us, circled around and played with my and Anna’s hair. I let go of her hand and took a step back as Anna looked around.
“Am I supposed to walk into the light?” she asked.
I couldn’t help but smile at the question; it seemed like everyone always asked. I shook my head. “There are no bright lights. It’s okay – take a deep breath and be patient.”
Souls didn’t need to breathe, but I always saw them do it before they moved on. It seemed to calm them down as it would’ve had they been in their human bodies. Old habits died hard, I supposed, but if that helped them feel better, I saw no need to point it out.
The breeze picked up, turned into an unseen tornado that swirled around Anna. Her hair went in every direction but her posture stayed still. As she closed her eyes, I saw a smile grow on her face. Then the wind took her, and Anna’s soul faded away in front of my eyes. Warmth grew in my chest, as it usually did with each peaceful passing, and I smiled briefly before turning back into the retirement home to find the next soul.

Get your copy now!

iBooks

 

Alright readers, what do you think? Sound like your kind of read? I was fortunate enough to have been a beta reader for Reapers and loved every second of it! I can't say enough great things. My review will be up ASAP, but in the mean time, go get yourself a copy! Huge shout out to Liz Long for letting me be a part of tour big release day! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Waiting on Wednesday {12}

Hey everyone and welcome to my weekly Waiting on Wednesday meme post! This is just a once a week deal where each Wednesday I post about one book I am looking forward to reading and then link it up to the host blog, Breaking the Spine, where I can be connected to over 200 other readers and bloggers who are looking for a new read! My friend Kim from kimberlyfayereads participates in this meme each week and it has always looked like a great time. Below you will find the book cover, synopsis, Goodreads link and my reasons for waiting on this read! Enjoy!

This week's WOW is...Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander

Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.

Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.
 

Coming November 3, 2014

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Why am I waiting?

 

You guys all know for my love of all things paranormal! A few weeks ago I was approached by the amazing team over at InkSlinger PR about being on the blog tour for this one. I read the synopsis, saw that AMAZING cover, and jumped right in! I have never read anything by Mrs. Alexander before, but an very optimistic about this book. I cannot wait to read and review it for my stop on the blog tour. Sounds like THE PERFECT blend of paranormal and fantasy to keep me interested! I'm PUMPED!

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What are YOU waiting on this week?

 

Check out this week's host post at Breaking the Spine by clicking here!

 

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Reading! 

 

-Ethan

All Broke Down by Cora Carmack Release Day Launch!

  

Yowza! We are extremely excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Cora Carmack's ALL BROKE DOWN!! ALL BROKE DOWN is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel being published by HarperCollins, and it is the 2^nd book in The Rusk University Series.

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

About ALL BROKE DOWN: In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

   

Excerpt: I think I get it then. That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen. That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too. I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today. About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her. “We’re not talking about me, though,” she says. “So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?” She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other. “He said the wrong thing.” “Which was?” “Dylan.” Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard. I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about them with her, either, no matter how gorgeous she is. “I’ll guess. You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry.” “This isn’t middle school, Pickle. He didn’t hurt my feelings. He said some shit he had no business saying, and it pissed me off. The end.” “But you don’t think some of that anger stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?” She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of my hand. “I think you’re analyzing me again. Making things more complicated than they are.” “And I think you’re just a guy who doesn’t like to admit he has feelings.” She drags out the word, teasing me with some goofy smile on her face. I turn my hand over so I can clutch her wrist. I curlmy other bandaged hand around her waist and pull her closer. “I feel plenty of things.” The teasing stops. She swallows. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling.” With her standing and me sitting, I’m eye level with her chest. I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath. I want her in my lap again, straddling me this time. “Doesn’t mean we can’t talk about that kind of feeling. Or experiment with it.” “Is that Stella girl an ex?” I cough, surprised. My throat twists uncomfortably, and it takes me a couple of solid breaths to get a hold on myself. “Ah, no. Stella and I have never dated.” “Have you—” “Do you ever run out of questions?” “Not ever.” She turns playful again, and I’m done doing this the careful way. If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her. I want her against me, and I’m tired of waiting. I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across my thighs. Her lips part, but she catches herself before she gasps this time. I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, “I’ll make you a deal. A question for a kiss.” Tentatively, she lays her palms against my shoulders. They rest there, her grip light and casual. She ponders my offer for a moment, and it drives me mad that she can do that while our hips are inches away from alignment. “Okay then. Are you—” I cut her off. “Not so fast, Dylan Brenner. I’ve already answered one question. We’ve got to settle up first.” I wrap her braid around my hand like I’ve been waiting to do all night, and I use it to pull her head back just enough that I can crush my mouth against hers.

And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

 

 

 

About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads ** ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

 

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Thanks so much for stopping by! Special shout out to Cora and the amazing KP and her team over at InkSlinger PR for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!

#BleedRuskRed

-Ethan

Aphrodite's Charms by Julie Kenner Release Day Launch

APHRODITE'S CHARMS by Julie Kenner releases today and we couldn't be more thrilled for everyone to get their hands on The Protector Series!

 

About APHRODITE'S CHARMS

From New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner) -- Aphrodite's Charms contains all four full-length novels in the bestselling Protector (Superhero) series of paranormal romances.

This bundle contains the full text of Aphrodite's Kiss, Aphrodite's Passion, Aphrodite's Secret, Aphrodite's Flame (each book is available for purchase individually as well as in this bundle)

Aphrodite's Kiss:

Zoe Smith might look like your average, ordinary elementary school librarian, but she’s about as far from normal as a girl can get. Because Zoe is descended from a line of superheroes … and as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she has to decide if she’s going to embrace her heritage (including the X-ray vision and her extraordinary senses) or submit herself for mortalization and be that average, ordinary girl.

Considering how lousy she’s done so far on all the Council-imposed tests, chucking the whole superhero thing might be very best thing … especially when she realizes that sexy, private investigator George Bailey Taylor is convinced that Zoe is one-hundred percent “the girl next-door”.

An ex-cop turned PI, George Bailey Taylor’s had one hell of a life being bounced around from foster home to foster home. All he wants now is a normal life with a normal wife in a normal neighborhood. And when he meets Zoe Smith, he’s certain she’s the typical American girl.

Except she does have an overprotective brother who seems able to appear and disappear at will. And a creepy cousin who’s always lurking about. And why does everyone in her family pretend to actually talk to the pet ferret? With her super powers, Zoe can do just about anything … except make Taylor fall in love with her.

For that, they’re both going to need a different kind of magic …

Aphrodite's Passion:

Mortal Tracy Tannin has always felt like the most ordinary girl in the world, especially since she’s lived her whole life in the shadow of her Hollywood superstar grandmother. But when she finds an antique belt in her grandmother’s attic, everything changes. Suddenly everyone wants Tracy—or maybe they just want the belt.

Superhero Hale is more than happy to do his job protecting mortals. But get emotionally close to one? Absolutely no way. Which is why he’s thrown a bit off his game when he suddenly finds himself craving the mortal woman he’s been assigned to protect. But that must just be the effect of the magical belt he’s supposed to retrieve, right?

Because there’s no way that a guy like Hale can fall for a girl like Tracy.
Or is there?

Aphrodite's Secret:

Shapeshifter Jason Murphy spent six years captive to the most notorious Outcast in the Protector world—Hieronymous Black, who also happens to be Jason’s father. Worse than his is the distrust that his absence put between him and the love of his life, Lane.

Lane knows only that the father of her child disappeared just moments after she told him she was pregnant, and she’s spent the last few years struggling as a single mom. Now Jason’s determined to win back his family.

But to do that, he’s going to have to face his father one last time. And he’s going to have to tell Lane the truth—and hope that this time she’ll see him as a hero.

Aphrodite's Flame:

Mordichai grew up under the shadow of the baddest bad guy out there—Hieronymous Black—and he’s used his power to conjure fire to help Daddy Dearest in numerous nefarious plots. But he’s reformed now—and just in time to meet the woman of his dreams.

Isole Frost believes Mordichai when he says he’s truly reformed. Trouble is, she also believes that Hieronymous truly wants to give up his dark ways and join the good guys.

He may be the man of her dreams, but she’s sure that he’s wrong.And when they’re forced to work together, they’re either going to prove that fire won’t mesh with ice—or that the inevitable result is a whole lotta steam! 

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 

About Julie Kenner

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures. Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries. J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest


Thank you so much for stopping by! A huge shout out to Julie Kenner and Tara and the rest of the amazing team from InkSlinger PR! Thanks for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan 

Halloween Author Invasion Author Spotlight: Liz Long

Hey readers! We're nearing the end of October (my favorite month of the year), and you know what that means!? It's almost Halloween! As most of you already know, this year Christina from Lulo Fangirl and myself are co-hosting the Halloween Author Invasion event on Facebook from October 26-30! For those of you who don't know about the event, you can find out more by clicking here.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE 

HALLOWEEN AUTHOR INVASION ON FACEBOOK!

Who all is participating? Here's our amazing guest list:

Now that you guys are all FOR SURE familiar with the Halloween Author invasion, I have a fun post for you guys. To get everyone pumped about our amazing guest list, Christina and I will be featuring Author Spotlight posts for our authors to get you excited to party alongside them next week! Each post will feature the authors bio, links, and a fun exclusive Halloween-ish interview they have granted us for the event! We are so honored to have all of these amazing authors participating in our event! Are you ready to learn a little more about our line up? Here we go!

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT 

Liz Long

Liz Long is a ridiculously proud graduate of Longwood University with a BA in English. Her inspiration comes from action and thriller genres and she spends entirely too much time watching superhero movies. Her fabulous day job as a social media editor includes writing for a publishing company in Roanoke, VA.

Her first book, Gifted, is the first book in the Donovan Circus series. Burned is the second adventure. Her second book Witch Hearts, a story about a serial killer hunting witches for their powers, is available at Amazon on Kindle and paperback.

To learn more about Liz, visit her website: http://lizclong.com.

Find Liz Long

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Liz Long’s Goodreads *

Guys, seriously. At this point do I even have to tell you guys about Liz Long? I think I should just rename this blog the LIZ LONG FAN DOMAIN! LOL. I seriously love EVERYTHING about Liz Long! Her books, her awesomeness, ALL OF IT. I met Liz by chance a few months ago at UtopYA 2014 in Nashville. I remember walking by her table a few times and seeing all the amazing books she had on display (let's face it, I TOTALLY judge books based on their covers). I finally built up the courage to go introduce myself and inquire about her books and I have been thanking the Gods above every day since! In the last few months Liz has become so much more than one of my favorite authors; she has become one of my closest friends in the literary world. Liz is an amazing author and one of the funniest people I know. I recruited my co-host Christina to join Team Liz a few months ago and her world EXPLODED. Seriously, I would not be having this event without Liz and owe her so much! You guys will love every second of the amazing party she will be hosting tomorrow so DON'T MISS IT! Also, Liz's newest book comes out THURSDAY and guess who may have been a beta reader? THIS GUY!! Seriously one of her best works yet! Here's some info about A Reaper Made before we get to her interview!

 

Synopsis: Grace had finally gotten used to her new afterlife as a “Made” – a Reaper who used to be human. When Made Reapers and souls begin disappearing, however, Grace and her mentor Tully suspect demons. Grace’s worst fears are confirmed when her living family is threatened. She’ll have to break every rule in the Reaper book to save them, including using a little magic to become temporarily human. With the help of Tully and her witchy friend Tessa, Grace goes undercover to save the fates of kidnapped souls – only to discover that demons aren’t working alone. Betrayal and distrust runs deep and Grace discovers that sometimes even Reapers are prone to humanity.

Halloween Spotlight Interview

What is your favorite supernatural genre (Witches, zombies, vampires, werewolves, etc) and why? 

Witches have always been my favorite, ever since I was a kid. There's something about the ability to play with and control magic that's always been fascinating for me. 

What is your favorite horror film and/or read? 

I'm not big on scary movies (do thrillers count? So going with KISS THE GIRLS or Seven with Brad Pitt if so), so I'll go with THE HAUNTING SEASON by Michelle Muto. Totally creepy!

What is your favorite Halloween costume (or your favorite that you have worn/have seen)? 

I've had a few great ones over the years, including Black Widow, Egyptian princess, and ringmaster. I'm actually very excited about my costume this year, which is Melisandre from Game of Thrones. I love any guy who can copy a Captain Sparrow costume well (a hot guy in college did it incredibly well my freshmen year and I haven't been the same since). Once, my friend who was on the heavier side at the time, painted his entire upper body red and went as the Kool-Aid Man and just kept bursting through hordes of people to shout "Oh yeah!" and that was definitely one of the more memorable costumes I've seen. 

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

I'd have to go with "anything chocolate (Kit Kat bars!)" but I do admit to eating my fair share of the Pixie Stix I've got stashed away for trick-or-treaters next week. (The blue sugar is obviously the best.) **I don't like chocolate, but I LOVE Kit Kat's, Liz I knew there was a reason we got along so well!**

What is your favorite part about Halloween? 

I'm not a big holidays person, but Halloween is probably my favorite if I had to pick. There's something about the magic of transforming yourself into someone else, just for a night, where you can be whoever you want. I've always loved seeing people's creativity in costumes.

What is your favorite Halloween memory? 

I'm probably not allowed to talk about some of my favorite Halloween college party memories, so uh, we'll go with the time in high school I threw a giant bonfire party at my house (with the help of my sorority) and half the school came out to celebrate. It was one of the few times I was really cool! Tons of kids came out, we had a great costume contest, and it was just a really good time. One of the few high school memories I remember both vividly and fondly!

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Well, what do you think? Excited to hang out with Liz Long during the Halloween Author Invasion? I know we sure are!

Liz will be taking over the event on Tuesday, October 28th!

We can't wait to see you there! Go show Liz some love and tell her you can't wait to party! Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Halloween Author Invasion Author Spotlight: Stacey O'Neale

Hey readers! We're nearing the end of October (my favorite month of the year), and you know what that means!? It's almost Halloween! As most of you already know, this year Christina from Lulo Fangirl and myself are co-hosting the Halloween Author Invasion event on Facebook from October 26-30! For those of you who don't know about the event, you can find out more by clicking here.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE 

HALLOWEEN AUTHOR INVASION ON FACEBOOK!

Who all is participating? Here's our amazing guest list:

Now that you guys are all FOR SURE familiar with the Halloween Author invasion, I have a fun post for you guys. To get everyone pumped about our amazing guest list, Christina and I will be featuring Author Spotlight posts for our authors to get you excited to party alongside them next week! Each post will feature the authors bio, links, and a fun exclusive Halloween-ish interview they have granted us for the event! We are so honored to have all of these amazing authors participating in our event! Are you ready to learn a little more about our line up? Here we go!

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT 

Stacey O'Neale

Stacey O'Neale started her career in publishing as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. She loves to write stories with swoony paranormal heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

When she's not writing, she loves blogging and fangirling about books on twitter. Occasionally, she leaves her computer to go outside.

Find Stacey O'Neale

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Goodreads *

I am sitting here trying to remember the first time I came into contact with Mrs. Stacey and while I can't remember an official "first contact", all I have are warm feeling. Over the past few months, I have become one of Stacey's BIGGEST fans. Stacey's debut series, Mortal Enchantment, is one of the most eye opening, original, and absolutely brilliant things I have ever read. Yes, you read that right, ever. Christina and I are both HUGE fans of Mrs. Stacey's and there is absolutely no way we could have an event and not incorporate her! If you haven't read any of Stacey's works, what are you waiting for?! Her first book, The Shadow Prince, is FREE! Check it out ASAP! Check out some of Stacey's thoughts on Halloween before her party time Wednesday night!

Halloween Spotlight Interview

What is your favorite supernatural genre (Witches, zombies, vampires, werewolves, etc) and why? 

I've always been fascinated with witches. I think it started when we learned about the Salem witch trials in school. I just couldn't believe something like that actually happened. Afterwards, I started researching. I would say I know enough about the religion (Wicca) to write a decent book, but I've never had a solid idea to go with it. 

What is your favorite horror film and/or read? 

I loved the original Scream. I'll be honest and admit I'm not big of the genre. I tend to think the stories and characters are weak. But Scream is really the exception. The dialogue, characters, and story were so right. It was perfect in my opinion.

What is your favorite Halloween costume (or your favorite that you have worn/have seen)? 

The stuff you see at Comic Con really blows Halloween right out of the water, but the best Halloween costume I've seen was a group of people who did the Scooby Doo gang. They actually won the costume contest that night. Brilliant from head to toe.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

I like those miniature Hershey bars and flavored Tootsie Rolls. The orange and grape flavors only come out during Halloween (I think). ;-)

What is your favorite part about Halloween? 

Seeing the cute kids in costumes. Nothing beats that.

What is your favorite Halloween memory? 

Taking my daughter trick or treating for the first time. She gets so excited every year, but the first time is the one you always remember.

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Well, what do you think? Excited to hang out with Stacy O'Neale during the Halloween Author Invasion? I know we sure are!

Stacey will be taking over the event on Wednesday, October 29th!

We can't wait to see you there! Go show Mrs. Stacey some love and tell her you can't wait to party! Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Distorted Fantasy Anthology Cover Reveal

Fantasy Anthology

Date Published: November 7, 2014

  

Tantalizingly bloody tales featuring human pitted against beast and gods, with the true majesty and horrors of the afterlife, with love and death and desire...

Eight writers modernize ancient mythologies in DISTORTED, proving that not every story has been told.

EXCERPTS

From “To Sing Which Tune” by Heidi C Vlach

Thinking that way made the truth weigh heavier: Helen might have picked up soda bottles on the beach last week, and worked on biochemical equations last night until her head screamed for mercy. She had stroked her own ego for attending her university's Sound The Sirens fundraiser gala, one where she wore an actual dress and some mascara. But she wasn't doing enough.

She couldn't think of Odyssia's face without a grey burden of guilt. The face that had beamed all throughout her childhood, crinkled with merriment around her eyes and poured joyous, warbling songs from her lips. Taught Helen songs she hummed offhandedly, even now. But these past few months, Odyssia barely smiled. She stared longer at Helen; like two stars with a void between them.

Sirens attack yacht, 2 dead.

Putting down the newspaper, Helen rose from the kitchen table to go get dressed and do something recklessly expensive. This was a bigger issue than one homicide case. Bigger than the one siren Helen owed a debt of love to. Bigger than her personal credit rating could make a dent in, but she had to try.

From “Bullman” by Anthony S. Buoni

"I'm still not sure it’s a good idea," Cassandra said, adjusting the top of her black corset.  Dressed like a cyber goth club kid, multicolored glow sticks dangled from the zippers and belt on her baggy black pants matched her glowing bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.  She scratched her short, spiky black hair with hot pink tips from her eyes before crossing her arms.

Theo wasn’t sure why Icky wanted Europe so bad—Cassandra's green gaze and hourglass figure made her the prettier of the two.  Other than a hint of social awkwardness and her taste for illegal intoxicants, Cassandra was a catch.

"Chicken," Icky said, clucking.

"Well, what is it?" Ariadne asked.  "Going to sit around with your fingers in a bowl of peeled grapes and tell each other stories about vanishing hitchhikers and perverts with hooks for hands attacking Lovers' Lane?"

"No," Icky said.  "Something way better.  We're driving to Hamilton Heights and looking for the Bullman."

Ariadne puffed.

"The Bullman?" Theo asked conscious of his date's aggravation.  The tale stemmed from a dark page in her family's history, so he tried downplaying it.  "There's no such thing."

Everyone knew the town's most famous urban legend.

Before Ariadne was born, her parents' first child came into the world stillborn.  Refusing any public response or funeral, the prominent family ignored the tragedy, and, as will often happen when scandal rubs elbows with the rich, their terse reaction prompted immediate gossip.

Stories claiming that the child survived began circulating the community.  The myth grew, taking on an insidious nature.

The most common account had Ariadne's mom falling in love and fornicating with their prize winning snow-white bull, resulting in the birth of a ferocious monster.  Fearing disgrace, Judge Hamilton ordered the creature destroyed.  Their doctor, taken by the genetic anomaly and unable to terminate the atrocity, gave the creature to hobos living in scattered shacks dotting the dense woods outside of town so he could study it in secret.

According to rumors, the creature matured and now lurked the forest near Cretan Road and Hamilton Heights, a sprawling park on the lake bordering the state's thick wilderness.  Campers and hikers would return from the forest with stories of a hairy, malformed creature stealing food and gear from their campsites before scurrying off into the brush.  Once in a while, someone would vanish in the woods, and parents told their kids that the Bullman roamed the neighborhood streets after sunset, stealing and devouring misbehaving children.

No one ever managed to photograph the thing.

No footprints emerged in the rich, dark soil or red clay hills surrounding Hamilton Heights.

Despite a lack of hard evidence, the stories lingered on the public tongue, whispers spoken around crackling campfires and in tight alleyways.

The Hamilton family did not appreciate the yarn and ignored the accounts, debunking them whenever the newspaper reported sightings or ran spotlights for their Halloween editions.

Of all the embarrassing things that could go wrong on a first date with Ariadne Hamilton, Theo couldn’t think of anything worse than Icky seeking out her fabled brother.

About the Authors

Alisha Costanzo is from a Syracuse suburb. She earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she currently teaches English. She’s the author of BLOOD PHOENIX: REBIRTH and BLOOD PHOENIX: CLAIMED, and co-editor of DISTORTED. LOVING RED, a Broken World novel, is undergoing serious edits for its 2015 release. In the meantime, she will continue to corrupt young minds, rant about the government, and daydream about her all around nasty creatures.

Having relocated from Northwest Florida's lonesome roads and haunted swamps, Anthony S. Buoni now prowls the gas lamp lit streets of New Orleans, playing moonlight hide and seek in the Crescent City's above ground cemeteries. Anthony is the author of Conversation Party, Bad Apple Bolero, as well as the editor to the Between There anthologies.  His stories and articles have been featured in North Florida Noir and Waterfront Living. When not prowling, Anthony keeps it scary, writing dark fiction, editing, and watching horror movies.  In his spare time, he DJs, plays music, and conjures other worldly creatures with tarot cards and dreams.

Author Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter: @TransmundnePres   @AlishaCostanzo

Goodreads

Things to Know About the Authors

Heidi Vlach:

-Heidi was born and raised in northern Ontario, Canada — but despite lifelong experience with snow, she hates cold weather.

-Heidi's parents are furniture salespeople: Heidi grew up with lots of big cardboard boxes to play in and transform with her imagination.

-She graduated chef training at age 18. There was tense discussion among the chefs before Heidi was allowed to attend the wine-tasting class, since legal drinking age in Ontario, Canada is 19.

-Heidi waited tables at a sushi restaurant for 3 years. Her favourite part of the job was encouraging nervous first-timers to try the raw fish.

-Heidi typically writes at her kitchen table, while drinking coffee, listening to electronic trance music, and snuggling one of her cats.

Catherine Edmunds:

-I'm a professional viola player. My string quartet was once kicked out of a shopping mall where we were performing by security because someone had complained our music was ‘too noisy’.

-My great-uncle worked with Albert Einstein.

-I took up ballet on my doctor’s suggestion at the age of three to cure my flat feet, and kept dancing until I was fourteen. Absolutely loved it. Still have flat feet.

-I appeared on national TV in 2013, painting in the Glasgow heats of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year. My model was actress Sophie Turner—Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones.

-I was once bitten by a tadpole.

Alisha Costanzo:

-I like to teach, even when no body asked for a lesson. Sometimes, this can make me feel like a snob, but when people make mistakes and no one corrects them, they are doomed to be repeat offenders.

-One of my favorite jobs so far was working at a funeral home. Most often, I had the building to myself, the nights were quiet, and I got to read or write. Other times, I felt emotional, but ensuring a funeral goes smoothly is rewarding.

-When I role-play write, I often prefer to be the male. I don’t tend to hear objections.

-I love teaching barefoot in my classroom, even when it’s freezing out.

-I’m an environmentalist and anti-consumerist...until I walk into a bookstore.

Patricia J. Esposito:

-Some of my hardest laughing comes when roughhousing with my constant companion, an eighty-five-pound Golden Retriever who thinks nothing of pouncing full-body on me.

-The crystal bowls I received as wedding gifts contain polished stones from the shores of Lake Superior.

-At home I prefer to drink only water, at the coffee shop, only chai tea, and at parties, only Courvoisier.

-I often have to work at home till late at night due to lost time making snow forts or playing ninjas with the neighbor kids (and my dog, of course). Fun is a distraction I encourage.

-Despite the convenience of iPhone music, at all times, my purse is weighted with the music CDs I can’t live without; after all, if I were to get stranded on a desert island, at least I could hold the CDs against me and imagine their sound.

Rebecca Lynch:

-I loathe cooked tomatoes.

-I can boast a library of 1000 books.

-I never graduated high school.

-My original major was nursing.

-I met my husband at an outdoor barracks party during a tornado.

Autumn Lishky:

-I made more as a pizza delivery driver than I have as a professional.

-I hate Twinkies because of the marshmallow filling. However, I like marshmallows. Go figure.

-I’m that snob that judges your grammar on Facebook and Twitter.

-My husband and I have watched hundreds upon hundreds of horror movies, and only one has made me stop eating—Cradle of Fear by Cradle of Filth.

-When I feel completely lost, I consult my Magic 8-Ball.

Christian Bone:

-I currently reside on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, a small place cut off from the rest of the country. It is somewhat like the Village from The Prisoner but without the sinister brainwashing (I hope).

-I possess an unhealthy obsession for all things Sherlock Holmes. So much so that I own three copies of the same book, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. We all do silly things when we're in love.

-I have a fond memory of once meeting Neil Gaiman, a very nice man who greeted me as a 'fellow writer.' I'm still thinking of a way to put that event on a T-shirt.

-I've always had a great interest in writing, but for a brief time when I was younger, much to grown-up me's disbelief, I wanted to go into football/soccer. It is a period of my life that I cannot explain.

-The first story I remember writing was about some kid detectives who stopped a pair of ghosts from stealing buried treasure. Clearly, I've never been one for genre boundaries.

Anthony S. Buoni:

-I'm a DJ, specializing in goth, punk, trance, new wave, and house.  I also play guitar, sing, and write my own music and electronic loops.

-I believe in all the spooky things I write about.

-I bought my laptop based on how easy it was for me to type on it.

-I'm pagan. I love growing plants and studying the moon, planets, and stars.

-I've sat through entire college classes without getting credit because I was interested, not because I was grade or degree driven.

Giveaway

One $10.00 Amazon gift card

One ARC of Distorted

One 8x10 poster signed by both editors

a Rafflecopter giveaway