Cover Reveal: ISLA'S OATH by Cassandra Page

You may remember the stunning cover I revealed for Isla's Inheritance, by Cassandra Page. This time I bring you the cover for the second book in the series-- ISLA'S OATH.

 

 

 

Isla’s Oath (Isla’s Inheritance #2) by Cassandra Page

 

Genre: Young adult urban fantasy

Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

Release date: 22 January 2014

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Australia is a long way from the Old World and its fae denizens ... but not far enough.

Isla is determined to understand her heritage and control her new abilities, but concealing them from those close to her proves difficult. Convincing the local fae she isn’t a threat despite her mixed blood is harder still. When the dazzling Everest arrives with a retinue of servants, Isla gets her first glimpse of why her mother’s people are hated ... and feared.

But Isla isn’t the only one with something to hide. Someone she trusts is concealing a dangerous secret. She must seek the truth and stop Everest from killing to get what he wants: Isla’s oath.

Goodreads page

Isla’s Inheritance – book one available now

Isla was content to let her father keep his secrets, but now she can’t stand the touch of iron and her dreams are developing a life of their own. She must discover the truth—before it’s too late.

Seventeen-year-old Isla Blackman only agrees to participate in a Halloween party séance because Dominic, an old crush, wants to. She is sure nothing will happen when they try to contact the spirit of her mother. But the séance receives a chilling reply.

SHE IS NOT DEAD

Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family history he never discusses. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master her new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.

Add on Goodreads

Turquoise Morning Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Barnes & Noble

 

Author bio

Cassandra Page is a mother, author, editor and geek. She lives in Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, with her son and two Cairn Terriers. She has a serious coffee addiction and a tattoo of a cat — which is ironic, as she’s allergic to cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she engages in geekery, from Doctor Who to AD&D. Because who said you need to grow up?

 

 

 

 

 

Author links

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

Book Review - DEATH OF A WATERFALL by Kara Leigh Miller

 

Blurb:  Twenty year old, college freshman, Teghan Jacobs didn’t think anything could be worse than learning she’s pregnant by a man she’s been dating less than six months. Boy, was she wrong. Her mother, who’s drowning in the river of denial, refuses to take a side on the issue. Her overbearing, manipulative father threatens to disown her and cut her off from her trust fund if she doesn’t have an abortion.

 

 

Donnie Marks couldn’t be happier. The woman he loves, the woman he fought so hard to be with, is going to have his baby. Life has never been better. But when she shows up in his dorm, sobbing and heartbroken, he learns the horrible truth of what happened. He vows to get revenge on the man who's responsible: Teghan's father.

 

 

My Review

 

I was looking forward to reading this book. The book blurb sounded interesting, intriguing, and promised a heart-throb to die for.

 

What I liked:

The book was well written, something which I find incredibly hard to find these days. The plot was fast, fascinating and downright gruesome at times. I constantly wondered what would happen next. It held my interest to keep reading. I didn’t skim, and read it all.

 

Donnie: A true heart-throb, and very appealing. BUT, I struggled with his character development. He went total OCD towards the end of the novel. I know there were horrendous circumstances, but his reaction came from nowhere--I wasn't convinced.

 

What I wasn't so keen on:

Teghan. I found her more reminiscent of what I expect from a YA character. Her emotional mood swings were all over the place, and unfortunately a little bit repetitive for me. I would expect a little more grounding for a character slipping into the NA slot.

The sex scenes: I just didn’t like them. In fact I found one scene incredibly cringe worthy. I’m not shy of sex scenes, far from it, but these did nothing for me.

The ending: I honestly turned the page looking for the next chapter. But it wasn’t there—I’d reached the end of the book! To me, the ending didn’t feel like one. I know there are more books to come in this series, but this really was a ‘what the heck moment’. It wasn’t a cliff-hanger, it just stopped.

Will I buy the next book in the series, yes, I think I will. I’d like to know what Miller has in store for the characters. Hopefully the sex will have improved and Teghan will have grown up a bit.

 

Title: Death of a Waterfall

Author: Kara Leigh Miller

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press

Release Date: June 8, 2013

Buy Links:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Death-Waterfall-Hayden-Falls-Saga-ebook/dp/B00DAKXOQO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391887789&sr=8-1&keywords=death+of+a+waterfall+kara+leigh+miller

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-of-a-waterfall-kar-leigh-miller/1115551192?ean=2940016534343

All Romance eBooks -- https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deathofawaterfall-1219143-149.html

About the Author: 

Kara is a multi-published erotic romance author who isn’t afraid to fling the bedroom door wide open and jump into bed with her characters. Represented by Dawn Dowdle of The Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Kara loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance. Currently she has several full-length novels in the works, a series of novellas, and a handful of short stories. An active member of the CNY Writers Haven and the CNY Romance Writers, Kara is also the Managing Editor for the Surge and Romance Imprints at Anaiah Press.

To learn more about Kara, or to find links to her other published works, please visit her website: http://www.karaleighmiller.com. You can also follow her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaraLeighMiller) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1)

 

 

 

 

ProjectREUTSway 2014 - Week 1 challenge

Here we go again!

Anyone who pops into my blog every now and then will have seen that last year I participated in ProjectREUTSway 2013, and was blessed with having 'Shifting Seas' selected for publication in the anthology which was released last week (31st October 2014)

I am now, with many other fabulous writers, attempting this years ProjectREUTSway.

MYTHOLOGY! Not the ones that everyone knows - oh no, Egyptian, Celtic, Asian, and Eastern Europe. Research!!!!!!!!

This was the first week challenge:

My story, SANDSTORM, has been sent today. Let the nail biting begin.

I'll be back next week, with news on the next challenge.

Id you fancy following all the events on twitter, search #ProjectREUTSway. We're all there, chatting, panicking and generally supporting each other.

See you soon.

Melody xx

BOOK RELEASE DAY: FAIRLY TWISTED TALES FOR A HORRIBLY EVER AFTER

Today marks the release of my first officially published story. It's a short story, under 5,000 words, and was the result of a competition ProjectREUTSway 2013, that ran throughout November 2013. I tweeted, blogged and shouted about the competition and my writing friends who also took part: Summer Wier, Drew Hayes, T A Brock, Carly Drake, Kathy Palm.

The result is this beautiful anthology, full of wonderful stories, and gorgeous illustrations.

I'd like to raise a glass to every writer who participated, and raise a glass or two (or three--Ashley!) to everyone who participated and made this happen. Working with Reuts has been fun and exciting, and I look forward to seeing what this years entries in the ProjectREUTSway will bring.

The book is available electronically NOW! and will be released as a hardbook in a few weeks time.

Here's the link to the electronic edition directly from REUTS Publications:  Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After

And here for Amazon.com: Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After

And here for Amazon.co.uk: Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After

And here's a teaser for my story: Shifting Seas

SHIFTING SEAS - Teaser for Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After

ProjectREUTSway have been releasing teaser trailers of the stories featured in the anthology, 'Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After', released on 31st October, 2015. Today it's ME!

So, here you are. A little teaser of Shifting Seas.

COVER REVEAL - FAIRLY TWISTED TALES FOR A HORRIBLY EVER AFTER

Last year I entered a short story competition run by Reuts Publications. One of my stories was selected for publication in this exciting anthology.

'Shifting Seas' will be featured, along with several other brilliant stories including ones by my writing buddies--Summer Wier, Drew Hayes, T A Brock, and Carly Drake.

But first--check out the dark and mysterious cover:

Summary

When it comes to fairy tales, there are plenty of things that go bump in the night. Things so morbid and grotesque, so sinister and diabolical, they haunt your imagination; warnings from generations past that still manage to terrify.

In 2013, authors came together for the annual Project REUTSway writing competition, penning their own interpretive twists on stories we're all familiar with. Seventeen were chosen, bringing twenty-five new versions to life. From The Brother's Grimm, to Hans Christian Andersen and beyond, these tales are not the ones you grew up with. They are, however, Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After. Dare to find out what happens when "once upon a time" ends in the stuff of nightmares?

Add To GoodReads - Follow On Twitter 

All proceeds from the sale of the anthology will be donated to the 2013 organization of choice, which was Reading Tree/Discover Books, a “green” charity which promotes literacy in the US by keeping books out of landfills, funding library sustainability, providing books to low-income families, and more. 

ProjectREUTSway 2014

For the 2014 season, ProjectREUTSway are giving you the chance to decide where proceeds will go! The new year also brings with it a new theme. So brush up on your histories, legends, and cultural lore, because we’ll be looking for the most original, fantastic versions of tales that have braved the centuries.

Learn More About Project REUTSway.

 

 

Review - PRIME DECEPTION by Carys Jones

Prime Deception by Carys Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After not really knowing what to expect from this book after reading previous reviews (was it a romance or a crime suspense?) I was pleasantly surprised. To me, there was no doubt that this is a romance, albeit one shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

I really sympathised with Charles, although hated that I did, as he was the pivotal key to everything that happened. I didn’t struggle with the lack of political references. To me, there were enough mentions of the role he had to play in the government and it didn’t worry me that this was never covered in further detail, indeed, it may have detracted from the story too much if we had been bombarded with political references on every turn of the page.

There were a few niggles for me. The first was the constant switch of POV. Sometimes there were quick bursts from a character, and then we slipped back to another. Occasionally I became a little lost and had to reread to grasp whose POV I was in. Perhaps some sort of visual break would have made these switches easier for the reader.

Secondly the backstories. I found these really repetitive as every few fifty of so pages the same thing was said only in a different way. A lot of this could have been cut.

And thirdly. I think Carina have let Carys down on the editing support they gave her. There were distracting typos in my kindle edition, and several areas that in my view could have been tightened.

Even with my little niggles I still really enjoyed this book, galloping through the pages wanting to know how things were going to end.

If the editors had done a better job then this book would be a definite 5 stars, but I felt I had to drop one due to the niggles I just described.

Carys is a good storyteller, and I shall definitely be heading over to read her other books, and hope they are as gripping as Prime Deception. If Carina have edited her other books, I hope they have tightened their procedure to help make Carys's writing shine as much as it deserves!

Melody


View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: ISLA'S INHERITANCE by Cassandra Page

Today I bring you the cover reveal for Isla's Inheritance, by Cassandra Page, and I think you'll agree with me--it is beautiful!

 

 

 

Isla's Inheritance, by Cassandra Page

Genre: Young adult urban fantasy

Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

Date of Release­­: 9 October, 2014


Summary from Goodreads:

Isla was content to let her father keep his secrets, but now she can’t stand the touch of iron and her dreams are developing a life of their own. She must discover the truth — before it’s too late.
Seventeen-year-old Isla Blackman only agrees to participate in a Halloween party séance because Dominic, an old crush, wants to. She is sure nothing will happen when they try to contact the spirit of her mother. But the séance receives a chilling reply.

SHE IS NOT DEAD.

Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family history he never discusses. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master her new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.


Add to Goodreads

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner's choice)

Direct link: Isla's Inheritance cover reveal celebration


Author bio

Cassandra Page is a mother, author, editor and geek. She lives in Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, with her son and two Cairn Terriers. She has a serious coffee addiction and a tattoo of a cat — which is ironic, as she’s allergic to cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she engages in geekery, from Doctor Who to AD&D. Because who said you need to grow up?

 

 

 

 

 

Author links

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

New Release - 'First to Fall' by Carys Jones

This week, I bring you 'First to Fall' by Carys Jones. It's released tomorrow, August 28th!

Aiden Connelly’s first case will be one he’ll never forget.

Lawyer Aiden Connelly has traded the frenzy of Chicago for a slower pace in sleepy Avalon – and his first case appears to be as open-and-shut as he could hope for. Hired to defend a local ex-beauty queen accused of murdering her husband, he’s confident that he’ll have the case closed in record time. But below the surface lurks a darker truth…

Suddenly, a quiet backwater has transformed into a dangerous pressure cooker. In a town where everyone knows everyone, gathering evidence should be easy… but the harder Aiden searches, the more he appreciates how tangled this net of loyalties is. And as he digs deeper, Aiden begins to realise that his very first case in Avalon could be the beginning of his undoing…


And if that's not enough, here is an except from the book:

Despite being surrounded by luscious acres of green grass none grew within the walls of the immense prison. Aiden wondered if this was a result of all the electrical fencing, or if nature just knew that she was not welcome here. This was a place for those who did not deserve to hear the sweet lullaby of birdsong, or breathe in the luscious scent of a blooming flower. Here, the condemned were at the last outpost before hell, but no doubt many felt like they were already there. Whilst from a distance Eastham looked impressive, once inside you realized just how imposing a structure can really be. Aiden had only just arrived but was already looking forward to being able to drive away.

‘Freedom’, he mused to himself, ‘is much too underrated’. 

Inside was not much better. The air felt decidedly cooler and the indifferent grey of the stone had crept along the interior walls in the form of paint. Green doors, though the colour of baby sick, were a welcome break from the dismal decorating. Aiden was led along countless corridors, his footsteps echoing on the plastic tiled floors. He was ushered through so many security gates that he began to worry if he was ever going to be able to get back out.

‘Prisoner 929 is in maximum security.’ The burly female guard had told him when he had finally made it to reception, her voice monotonous as if she had forgotten how to express emotion. He was currently being led by another, equally ample female form, down a labyrinth of corridors. His palms were sweaty and his attempts to make small talk had not even been acknowledged. The women who worked there were tough; he supposed that they had to be. But no matter how tough they were, he knew that they would be no match for what lay behind the locked doors which they were now passing by. Aiden had expected hands grasping through railings, voices crying out their innocence, but all was quiet. Those cells he passed where you could see in, the lone occupants were sat, sometimes reading, sometimes just staring into space; none so much as fluttered an eyelid as he clomped past.

Finally he was motioned into a small room where one wall was made entirely of Perspex glass. Beyond the glass, there was a lone chair facing him which was flanked by two guards. On Aiden’s side of the glass there was a basic desk and a plastic chair.

‘929 will be with you shortly’, the woman told him. ‘I’ll wait for you outside.’

Aiden nodded and thanked her but she was already gone before the words had even left his mouth. He moved the chair and positioned himself opposite the other currently vacant chair. Placing his briefcase on the desk he took out a Dictaphone and a notebook. He had no idea what to expect from Prisoner 929.



I can't wait to start reading this. It's on my to be read list along with another of Cary's books, 'Prime Deception'.

Here's more information about Carys:

 

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader’s imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, guinea pig, Roger and her adored canine companion Rollo.
When she’s not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games.
She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.
To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarysJonesWriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiny_dancer85
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22864060-first-to-fall

Blog: http://carysjonesauthor.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Website: http://www.carys-jones.com/

The Summer Holidays are nearly over!

I write this as the school summer holidays in England come to grinding end. Anyone living near me must surely hear the loud shouts of joy and see the party balloons floating with vigour from my door.

Yes! The boys are back at school in just over a week--FREEDOM!!!!

When they go back to school, I can start to get back to my normal schedule. It's not an exciting schedule, far from it--I work Monday through to Wednesday, 3 days of crunching numbers and playing with budgets and forecasts and cashflows (As well as ringing up those nasty people that don't pay) BUT, and here's the great part, I have Thursday and Friday to write! I've condensed my hours starting September 1st to enable me to work the above pattern, and boy, am I looking forward to it.

Also, my husband has, at long last, acknowledged that I write, that it's not an obsessive hobby eating up all my time. I am to be published, and with that comes a renewed confidence in my ability and a level of acceptance from my husband that this is serious, this is something that can lead to so much more. He still hates that I randomly mumble about my characters to him, stressing over impossible situations I've written them into, he still tells me to switch the laptop off and have a night away from it all. But, I've also heard him talking about my writing--something he never used to do. He proudly tells his friends that I'm going to be published, talking great pride in letting me know he's told them to check out my website, and that he's made another sale of my forthcoming book--I haven't the heart to tell him that just because people say they'll check my website means they will, and it certainly doesn't mean they'll buy my book. But I keep quiet, let him enjoy this moment--I've waited a long time for him to show any signs of encouragement, I won't burst his bubble.

So, with the boys back at school, my new schedule will start. Two dedicated days a week to write! It sounds like bliss. Then I remember. Deadlines, edits, drafts, CP's. Maybe I need more than two days. I'm about to start line edits with my editor on 'Shifting Seas', my short story which will be published in an anthology later this year. I'm currently finishing structural edits on 'Sachael Dreams', due to start  line edits this October. I'm still working through my first 'hard' edit on 'Sachael Desires', meeting with my CP, Denise, every Thursday night to go through one chapter at a time. After that I have a serious amount of editing to tighten it up and get it ready to send out. (And I've given myself a deadline of the end of the year to have this done.) Yes, all while dealing with the release of 'Sachael Dreams'. Not only that, I need to start working through 'Sachael Delusions', the next book, with Denise. Scheduling one chapter a week means it takes a long time to get through thirty chapters! I also need to write the final book in the series, 'Sachael Destiny', and at this moment, it's all a little scary.

And then there's Erebus. Damn the man. My next project, after the Mine Series, is 'The Ascent', a story in which Erebus features rather a lot. He will not stop talking to me! So amongst all the Sachael books, I keep scribbling down notes, paragraphs and ideas for this book. It's nice to have an exciting idea waiting to attack when I'm ready, but it's also frustrating.

But, I shall get there. I've got more time to write, I have the support of my husband, and the boys are back at school. Here's to a new school year and no more long holidays until next summer!

Melody xxx

Review - The Rose Master

Today, I bring you a real treat--The Rose Master by Valentina Cano. This book hit my radar as Valentina is a fellow Reuts author, and LOOK AT THE COVER! Gorgeous!

 

The day Anne Tinning turns seventeen, birds fall from the sky. But that's hardly the most upsetting news. She's being dismissed from the home she's served at since she was a child, and shipped off to become the newly hired parlor maid for a place she's never heard of. And when she sees the run-down, isolated house, she instantly knows why:

There's something wrong with Rosewood Manor.

Staffed with only three other servants, all gripped by icy silence and inexplicable bruises, and inhabited by a young master who is as cold as the place itself, the house is shrouded in neglect and thick with fear. Her questions are met with hushed whispers, and she soon finds herself alone in the empty halls, left to tidy and clean rooms no one visits.

As the feeling of being watched grows, she begins to realize there is something else in the house with them--some creature that stalks the frozen halls and claws at her door. A creature that seems intent on harming her.

When a fire leaves Anne trapped in the manor with its Master, she finally demands to know why. But as she forces the truth about what haunts the grounds from Lord Grey, she learns secrets she isn't prepared for. The creature is very real, and she's the only one who can help him stop it.

Now, Anne must either risk her life for the young man she's grown to admire, or abandon her post while she still can.

 

 

I loved this book and understand that Valentina is currently writing the follow up. I can't wait!

 

Here is my review:

 

Where to begin? Firstly, the cover--beautiful, yet scary.
Secondly, or should this be my first point, the writing. Amazing.

I loved The Rose Master--every single word.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is my favourite read so far this year. Cano created characters that not only sprung to life but danced continually before my eyes. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but Cano managed to scare me with the scenes she wrote, as well as entrance me with the beauty of her words. She has a clear concise way of writing that provokes intense emotion, and a complete understanding of what she wants the reader to experience.

I am confident that this book will remain one of my all-time favourites and I’ll read it several times. The only thing I have to complain about . . . I didn’t want it to end, and whereas it had a defined ending, I want more!

If I could give this book 6 stars I would!

 

More about Valentina Cano:

 

Valentina Cano is a student of classical singing who spends whatever free time she has either reading or writing. She also watches over a veritable army of pets, including her five, very spoiled, snakes. Her works have appeared in numerous publications and her poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Web. She lives in Miami, Florida.

Introducing my writing friends - Week 4

This week - Drew Hayes!

I almost feel like not saying anything about Drew, and just directing you to his website. This man has such a wonderful way with words. He'll make you laugh out loud, usually with him, and is always willing to help (Well, so far.)

Drew was another of my writing buddies for the ProjectREUTSway and will also be published in the anthology along with previously featured writing friends SummerWier, and Tawyna Brock. He updates his website regularly and has his finger in so many publishing pies that it's sometimes hard to keep track of him!

Only a few weeks ago he released his latest book with Reuts Publishers. Called 'The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant' I can assure you that this book is definitely worth a read.

Fred, as I think everyone will call this book, is a wonderful, imaginative book. He's not as uninteresting as the full title makes out, in fact, he's not as unadventurous either. Drew, the author, guides us through a series of adventures, and, in each one Fred unwillingly picks up new friends. Drew breathes life (no pun intended seeing as most of his friends are various forms of the un-dead)into each and every character, but my favourite was Bubba. Bubba is a weresteed (cough, cough)but he was far...moreMy review: Fred, as I think everyone will call this book, is a wonderful, imaginative book. He's not as uninteresting as the full title makes out, in fact, he's not as unadventurous either. Drew, the author, guides us through a series of adventures, and, in each one Fred unwillingly picks up new friends. Drew breathes life (no pun intended seeing as most of his friends are various forms of the un-dead)into each and every character, but my favourite was Bubba. Bubba is a weresteed (cough, cough)but he was far from what I expected. I laughed so much during his scene of transformation and the ensuing events. Even when Bubba's story was over, he continued with his presence throughout the rest of the book--I loved him! Only one little niggle. I found it slightly repetitive at the start of each adventure, confirming who everyone was and where and how Fred met them, but this didn't detract from the overall story. I can imagine this is a useful reminder if you read one adventure and then don't start the next for a few days--but I devoured this book, and read it cover to cover in a day. All in all, it was a book that had me laughing so much I cried, and screeching out loud at certain one-liners which Drew seems to have an arsenal full of and willingly lets his characters use. I giggled at the visuals he created, seriously wondering at times if he was 'tripping' when he wrote them! But, do you know what? I don't care. Drew has created a wonderful pot of characters, and I would love to see more of Fred and his friends. Time for a sequel, Mr Hayes!

Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort.

One fateful night – different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful – Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos that is the parahuman world, a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.” Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.


Here are some links where you'll find Drew:

Twitter: DrewHayesNovels
Facebook: DrewNovelist
Website: DrewHayesNovels

And nothing would be complete without Drew saying a few words, this time--about himself.

Drew Hayes is an aspiring author from Texas who has written several books and found the gumption to publish a few (so far). He graduated from Texas Tech with a B.A. in English, because evidently he's not familiar with what the term "employable" means. Drew has been called one of the most profound, prolific, and talented authors of his generation, but a table full of drunks will say almost anything when offered a round of free shots. Drew feels kind of like a D-bag writing about himself in the third person like this. He does appreciate that you're still reading, though.

Drew would like to sit down and have a beer with you. Or a cocktail. He's not here to judge your preferences. Drew is terrible at being serious, and has no real idea what a snippet biography is meant to convey anyway. Drew thinks you are awesome just the way you are. That part, he meant. Drew is off to go high-five random people, because who doesn't love a good high-five? No one, that's who.

Cover Reveal

This week I bring you the cover release for Tammy Farrell's book 'The Embers of Light'. I recently featured her on my blog telling you all about the first book in the Dia Chronicles, 'The Darkness of Light'. 'The Embers of Light' is the second in the series and will be available to purchase from November 11th 2014.

Here is the beautiful cover and a teaser to keep you interested.

 

 

 



The descendants of the ancient gods think they’ve found peace, but the time has come when new magic and ancient powers will collide…

Stripped of his Dia powers and left to rot, Malcolm is a prisoner of Valenia—a sentence he finds worse than death. His thoughts of revenge are the only thing keeping him sane, but when he finally manages to escape, Malcolm discovers that living as a mortal is more dangerous than he ever imagined. After stealing from the wrong man, Malcolm becomes a captive once more, only this time his punishment is one that he won’t soon forget. His only hope of survival is Seren, an enigmatic young girl with golden eyes and a malevolence to match his own.

When he’s led to Mara and Corbin, the two responsible for his fall from grace, their new faction of Dia is in chaos, infiltrated by an ancient power thought to have been banished forever. This only fuels Malcolm’s ruthless ambitions, but he soon realizes that he too is under attack, a pawn in a centuries old game of power and greed. As new battle lines are drawn, Malcolm finds himself in uncharted waters, forced to choose between helping those he’s vowed to destroy or give in to his lingering desire to settle the score.

Debts will be paid, lives will be lost, and no Dia will ever be the same.

'The Embers of Light' is available to add to your Goodreads 'to-read' list, (Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22222549-the-embers-of-light) and 'The Darkness of Light' available from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and select retailers.
www.TammyFarrell.com
www.facebook.com/thediachronicles
@Tamzwrite



GREAT NEWS!!!!

Many of you may know by now, I feel like I've tweeted myself silly and posted this everywhere, but for those of you that don't know...(drum roll please)...

I've been signed by REUTS publications for my debut novel Sachael Dreams!

It feels like a dream come true, and I think I'm still in shock. Each day I wake up and have to remind myself that, yes, this is going to happen. I know that the finished book and cover design will be amazing--the REUTS team have a marvellous track record of awesomeness, and it has always been my dream to bring Estelle, Azariah, Orontes, Michael and Kaimi into the wide world. This is now going to happen. And I couldn't be happier that it's REUTS who have decided to join me on my journey.

I will keep you informed on my continuing progress, and if anyone reading this would like to help with the release of Sachael Dreams--Blog tour, Cover reveal, ARCs etc etc, just let me know.

But, for now, let's PARTY!!!!

Introducing my Writing Friends - Week 3

This week - Tammy Farrell.

 

I came across Tammy on twitter several months ago. A few random tweets, a few squeals of laughter and several photographs later regarding what we thought characters from her book looked like, and we both knew we'd found a like minded soul. She is a constant source of encouragement for me and other writers, and I know we will stay friends for a very long time.

 

You can find Tammy at the following places:

 

Twitter: @TamzWrite

Website: Tammy Farrell Website

 

Tammy has a written an amazing book, 'The Darkness of Light', the first of the Dia Chronicles, and is due to release the second book, 'The Embers of Light', later this year.

 

 

 

THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT

 

At the dawn of the sixth century, in the aftermath of her mother’s brutal execution, Mara Black is forced to flee the only life she has ever known.

 

Mara can tell she’s different, but isn’t sure why. After she encounters two mysterious strangers, she discovers her secret is but a drop in an ocean of many. She is a Dia, a descendant of ancient gods, and her mother sacrificed herself to protect Mara from their past.

 

Summoned by an uncle she didn’t know existed, Mara thinks she’s found the family she’s always wanted, and Corbin, a love she never thought possible. But not everything is as it seems. Her uncle has other motives for protecting her, and her mentor, Malcolm, becomes so jealous, he’ll do anything to get what he wants. When tragedy strikes, and the true darkness among them comes to light, Mara discovers that sometimes love can give you everything, and obsession can take it all away. With her powers gone, and destiny calling, she has to look deep within to find the courage to save herself. Mara, along with Corbin and her newfound family, must fight to get back what was taken, or die trying.

 

My review:

 

The world Tammy has created is both fascinating and believable.

Her characters are strong, well developed individuals, and I found myself drawn into their actions and behaviour. I liked Mara, connecting with her very early on in the story, but I also like Corbin... and the late arrival of Drake.

I can't say too much without giving the plot away - but as a reader I was always willing to give Malcolm a chance - until it was too late.

Anyone debating whether to read this book should not hesitate any longer. Grab it, but make sure you have a day or two free to read it. I ignored my hubs and boys, as well as my own writing, so I could keep reading this. Couldn't put it down.

Well done Mrs Farrell - waiting for the next in the series!

 

~oOoOo~

 

The Darkness of Light is available in various formats at the following places:

 

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon.com

Available on Amazon.co.uk

Barnes and Noble eBook

Barnes and Noble Paperback

Kobo



 

Go on - treat yourself!

 

Melody xx



Introduction to my writing friends - Week 2

This week, I would like to introduce T.A. Brock.

Tawnya is another friend from my ProjectREUTSway group. Not only did Tawnya have a story selected for publication in the anthology, but she also has a book out now!

So, without further delay, please let me introduce Tawnya's Runner up story featured on the Reuts Blog; Silver Hands, Silver Tongue.

And, if you like what you read on the blog, you must buy a copy of Tawnya's book, Fatal. I've never been a fan of zombies, but this book converted me! I devoured the words in a day, not able to put the book down until I'd finished it. Seriously, if you love zombies, you'll adore this book, and if--like me--you're not so keen, I bet Fatal will convert you.

So, go on, treat yourself to Fatal, on sale on Amazon! I promise you'll not regret it.

T.A. Brock lives in Oklahoma, where Zombies do not thrive. When not immersed in the world of fantasy writing, she enjoys spending time with her big girl, baby boy, and hubs. Some of her favourite things are coffee (specifically with cream, sugar, and chocolate), music (especially something with a good beat), books (especially paranormal), and Tennis. She despises raw meat and therefore is exceedingly glad she’s human.

T.A Brock's website: click here.