BOOK BLITZ for "Cursed (The Immortal Heart Academy, #1)" by Magen McMinimy

Cursed
(The Immortal Heart Academy, #1)
by Magen McMinimy

Publication date: August 10th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The heirs born of a daughter’s treachery will see their true loves demise. 

Kyra has always known where her future was headed… A love that will lead to her death, but one she will gladly embrace and relish, as long as the Fates see fit to allow. As the omniscient daughter of an elite class of warrior, Kyra is ready to welcome all that her lineage has afforded her. Including the love of her best friend. 

Makiah has watched every step he’s ever made, with the eyes of the Underworld posing a constant threat, and the weight of a family curse given life nearly a millennium ago breathing down his neck, he can’t afford to make mistakes. 

Now that the Immortal Heart Academy has reopened and the next generation of guards and warriors are being recruited, Kyra, Makiah and their friends are busy working through the rigorous training, while struggling to find their place among their peers. As spring finds its way to the Middle World, Makiah’s determination begins to falter, after he pushes the one woman he’s always loved further away, and the reality of a lonely existence begins to weigh on him. 

With the help of their friends, Kyra and Makiah will fight against the Underworld, the curse, each other and the outside forces that would threaten to break them all apart.

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Excerpt:

“You okay?” he asked, as they found some empty space to spar.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” she snapped, throwing the first blow for him to dodge.
Makiah side-stepped and twirled around Kyra to attempt a leg sweep. She leapt over his long limb and came down with purpose, aiming for his knee. Makiah saw the pain, as her beautiful violet speckled gaze narrowed.
Pulling back, he managed to dodge the worst of the blows. Kyra’s fists flew rapidly, coming after Makiah without any rhythm or strategy, each swing was fueled by anguish. Makiah watched, as he was pushed back further and further away from the others. The lake was drawing nearer, as she continued advancing on him. Knowing he’d soon be going for a swim, he searched for a break in Kyra’s swings. Finding his opening, with little effort he wrapped his fingers around her wrists, pinning one arm against her chest, he swept behind her, restraining her other arm against her side. His thick forearm wrapping around her midsection. The valley of her lower back hit just below his waist. His lids slid shut at the contact, as she flinched, her muscles tightened beneath his hold. He felt their connection immediately, everywhere their bodies touched; small jolts sent shocks of need through his veins. Shaking his head, he drew in a heavy breath, taking her scent deep into his lungs, as he did. He knew what she was feeling, could taste the heat, the pain, and anger. He felt it too and it broke him knowing he was hurting her.
“Stop, Ky,” he ordered through the thick blonde locks that had escaped her ponytail.
He felt her tense once more, before her body gave up the fight. Her muscles relaxed under his hold. Drawing closer, with his lips just a whisper away from her ear, he spoke gentler this time.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to hurt you, Kyra… it’s the absolute last thing I would ever want to do.”
Kyra held her pain back, kept the tears that always threatened when she let herself feel what it would be like to lose Makiah. Let her heart feel the pain of never being loved by him.
“Don’t,” she answered quietly, her head falling forward. “I don’t see it anymore,” her voice broke with the admission.
Turning her in his arms he asked, “See what?”
She shook her head, before looking up at him, their eyes locking, as she spoke the words that would shatter her. “Us… turns out you really won’t choose me.”
His jaw ticked, as he clenched his teeth. “I can’t,” he muttered.

Author Bio: 

Magen was born in Northern California, but now resides in the beautiful city of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho with her husband, and miracle baby, Austin. She started writing as a hobby, and is thankful every day she is able to remain home and raise her son while crafting worlds for her readers to get lost in. 

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BOOK BLITZ for "Witch & Wolf: The Complete Series" by R.J. Blain

Witch & Wolf: 
The Complete Series
by R.J. Blain
Publication date: December 18th, 2018
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Life is never easy for those with the strength to change the world.
These are their stories.

Inquisitor 

When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fianceé at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder. She has to find the killer or she’ll be put to death for the crimes she didn’t commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.

On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses. 

Winter Wolf

When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.

Blood Diamond 

The world is full of corpses, and Jackson knows them by name. When a group strives to destroy the Inquisition, his powers may be all that's standing between the supernaturals and extinction. 

Silver Bullet 

Finished with being a victim, Vicky will do everything in her power to put an end to Basin once and for all, even if it means she must make the ultimate sacrifice and bite a silver bullet for the sake of her family, her friends, and the rest of the supernatural world.

This collection also contains Tales of the Winter Wolf Vol. Six.

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Excerpt:

From Inquisitor:

Autumn had come, and I was powerless to stop it—this time. A yellowed leaf clung to its branch, mocking me with its splash of color. The rest of Central Park clung to the hope of summer. I stood on my toes and snatched at it, but a chilly wind ripped it from my reach.
The leaf landed on the path several steps away. When I reached it, I crushed it beneath my boot.
“Wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, Allison?”
I twisted my heel while wrinkling my nose. With light brown hair and creamy skin prone to burning rather than tanning, Mark would never be my tall, dark, and handsome, though he was good looking and aggressive with his money. With my sort of luck, he’d never account for anything more than an occasional lunch buddy who needed my help with his finances. Then again, maybe it was better for both of us that way.
Some girls had all the luck. Me? I had more money than I knew what to do with, most of it acquired from Mark in management fees like I was some sort of modern-day vampire. Too bad money couldn’t buy me a life.
“Who said I went to bed last night?” Hopefully, he wouldn’t think too long or hard on my delayed quip.
“What’s got your tail in a bunch?”
I shoved my hands in the back pockets of my jeans and swallowed my relieved sigh. No tail. Good. Last thing I needed was to sprout a tail on Halloween at noon. “N-nothing. You’re always ‘blah, blah, blah, something’s wrong.’ Nothing’s going on.”
Mark arched his brow at me. “So what did that poor little leaf do to you?”
“It failed its calculus test twice.”

Author Bio:

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning. 

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.

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BOOK BLITZ for "The Fall Changes (Honey Cove, #1)" by Marie McGrath

The Fall Changes
(Honey Cove, #1)
by Marie McGrath
Publication date: August 11th, 2020
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Change where you live.

Change your parents being married.

And maybe, change who you are. 

At 16 years old, Riley Mills has had more change than she ever wanted. A new high school would be daunting for most teens, but between getting attention from the most popular girl and being paired with a boy for her class project, she is navigating many situations she never could have imagined. 

With homecoming fast approaching and rumors about her swirling, Riley must confront her true nature. Is she a popular girl at heart? Could someone actually like her? 

With no clear answers, Riley may just find some answers from the most unexpected sources.

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

A girl with reddish-brown hair didn’t allow me to dwell on it for very long as she sat across from me. “Hey, new girl.”
Now what? Wasn’t one interaction enough? Couldn’t I have one minute of peace in this school without someone bothering me? All I wanted was to blend in and move on. If people kept reminding me I was the new girl, then neither of those things would ever happen.
“I’ve never seen those two stomp away in my entire life. I decided I had to introduce myself to the person who would accomplish such a feat. I’m Sophie Graham.”
I was unsure what to say. After what I just experienced, my walls were all the way up, and I wasn’t exactly thrilled with being called the new girl.
“Look. I know you don’t know me, and I can only assume what those two must have said to you, but seriously, I mean no harm. Okay? I think it’s cool what you did. Those two have been asking for it for, well, forever.”
“Thanks … I guess. I didn’t say much.”
“Well, for not saying much, they certainly bolted out of this lunchroom. Not to mention their bad mood could be felt like an earthquake across the cafeteria.”
I tried to stifle a giggle but wasn’t very successful. I imagined those two as an earthquake and couldn’t help it.
Sophie seemed to be really nice. But I thought Shelby seemed nice too, and look how well that turned out. I supposed if I was cautious with Sophie, it couldn’t hurt, could it? Something about her made her seem familiar and genuine. As my mom-mom always said, “You catch more bees with honey.” If I didn’t try, I would never know.
Sophie sat and blabbed about the school and her classmates.
I had a hard time concentrating. Instead, my brain churned everything that had happened so far. My thoughts were at war with each other. How much should I trust these people?
Sophie waved her hands in front of my face and snapped her fingers. “New girl! Hello! Are you in there? I asked you what class you had next. Lunch is almost over.”
I retrieved my schedule and showed it to Sophie. “I think it’s gym.”
“Well, isn’t that ironic. So do I. I’ll show you how to get there. Follow me, new girl.”
I hesitated before getting up and throwing away my trash. “The name’s Riley.”
“I know, new girl. Remember it’s a small school and town. You’re famous. We don’t have many newcomers, and most people have already heard your name, but new girl is more fun to say.”
I shot her a look.
“Well, I guess so is Riley. Come on, let’s go. Coach Schneider does not like you to be late. Trust me, I learned that the hard way.”
I may have only known Sophie for what felt like ten minutes, but Sophie was easy to listen to and seemed like she would be easy to get along with. I hoped things would be different with Sophie than how they had turned out with Shelby so far.

Author Bio:

Marie McGrath lives in a small rural town in Maryland. She hopes to inspire others with her stories. Her favorite genres to read are YA Romance and Contemporary Fiction. She loves the color turquoise, tigers, and listening to music. 

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BOOK BLITZ for "Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors (The Guild Codex: Warped, #1)" by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen

Warping Minds 
& Other Misdemeanors
(The Guild Codex: 
Warped, #1)
by Annette Marie 
& Rob Jacobsen
Published by: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Publication date: August 7th 2020
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

My name is Kit Morris, and welcome to my warped life. 

Picture the scene: Me, an average guy with psychic powers—not that my abilities are in any way average—just trying to scrape by in a harsh world. So maybe I’ve conned a few people, but did I really deserve to be thrown in MPD jail alongside magic-wielding serial killers? 

According to Agent Lienna Shen, one-hundred-percent yes. 

But her hardass attitude and “Arcana prodigy” status aren’t enough to bring down my former best friend, who slipped through the MPD’s fingers and is days away from unleashing untold horrors upon the city. Or he’s going to steal something. I don’t really know. 

Whatever he’s up to, that’s why I’m sitting in an interrogation room with Lienna. And that’s why I just offered myself as her temporary new partner for the purposes of thwarting my ex-accomplice. 

And that’s how I’m going to escape. I might even help with the case before I cut and run.
—

Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors is the first book in a new series set in the world of The Guild Codex. It can be read on its own or as part of a larger adventure. 

More series in The Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Demonized

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

The phone beeped again. Captain Blythe sighed, reached under the table, and lifted a cell phone into view. The screen lit up as she checked her messages. Her mouth tightened, which I took to mean doom and disaster were impending and we should take shelter immediately.
Standing, she clipped the phone back to her belt and turned to Lienna. “I need to take care of something. Keep him talking, Agent Shen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With a sharp nod, Blythe strode out of the room and graciously slammed the door behind her.
“A little intense, isn’t she?” I observed.
Lienna took the vacated seat. “She’s a precinct captain in one of the biggest cities in the country.”
Hmm. Despite her neutral tone, her voice had a soft, caressing quality that I found surprisingly pleasant. It was a shame she wasn’t playing good cop.
“Every day, Captain Blythe deals with rampant magic, illicit guilds, arrogant guild masters who think they’re above the law, and violent criminals who use their abilities to hurt, cheat, or kill people.”
She didn’t add, “Violent criminals just like you.” Her restraint impressed me.
“And,” she continued, “all while keeping the existence of magic, guilds, and the MPD hidden from the public. A crucial mandate your guild flouted.” She cleared her throat. “But you were just an intern, weren’t you, Kit? You were doing what you were told. You don’t need to protect them.”
I grinned. “That works better without the throat-clear first. Really obvious tell that you’re about to bullshit me, I’ve gotta say.”
She stiffened in her seat.
“Oh, and try to relax more. The fake sympathy will be more convincing.”
Her glower returned full force, obliterating the remnants of her kind expression. It’d been a decent attempt at building a rapport with me. She wasn’t experienced at the technique, which seemed like an oversight in her training, but I suspected Lienna’s real role in the agency involved far more skill than mere interrogation.
According to the rumors floating through the holding cells—of which I believed maybe five percent— Agent Lienna Shen was an abjuration sorcerer, and abjuration was … anti-magic sorcery?
That concluded my knowledge on the topic. But I did know the handcuffs around my wrists were an artifact created by a sorcerer for a specific magical purpose: in this case, nullifying the magic of whoever had the unfortunate pleasure of wearing them.
When she didn’t respond to my helpful critique, I attempted a charming smile. “You’re pretty young for an agent.”
Lienna’s scowl deepened, even though it was a reasonable observation; she looked my age, which seemed like a stretch for full agenthood.
“Do you know why you’re here?” she asked coldly. “In this room?”
“Because Blythe has a thing for younger guys who can quote the entire courtroom speech from A Few
Good Men?”
“Because,” she said in that clipped tone people use when they’re silently praying for patience—or imagining what it’d feel like to strangle me, “we’re currently investigating three cases of extortion totaling two million dollars, five cases of embezzlement over five hundred thousand dollars each, and eight reports of blackmail. Your guild was behind them all, and unless you want those charges added to your already extensive list of crimes, you should strongly consider shedding some light on the inner workings of KCQ.”
Despite myself, my mood sobered. This wasn’t my first interrogation, but it was my first time in the custody of the international organization responsible for dispatching magic-wielding criminals. I had no idea what to expect as far as charges and sentencing.
“Let’s go back to the beginning,” she suggested. “Your name.” “Kit Morris.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-two.”
“What’s your magic class?”
“Psychica.” Which she already knew. KCQ had been a guild populated entirely by voodoo-brain psychics with wildly varying abilities—all the wilder once I’d joined the team.

Author Bio: 

Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities. 

Author links:
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Rob is a Canadian writer, actor, and director, who has been in a few TV shows you might watch, had a few films in festivals you might have attended, and authored some stories you might have come across. He's hoping to accomplish plenty more by the time he inevitably dies surrounded by cats while watching reruns of Mr. Robot.
Currently, he is the Creative Director of Cave Puppet Films, as well as the co-author of the upcoming Guild Codex: Warped book series with Annette Marie. 

Author links:
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BOOK BLITZ for "When Love Finds You" by Lynn Wolff

When Love Finds You
by Lynn Wolff
Publication date: August 10th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

After pasts riddled with pain, can Hadlee and Bryce let themselves love again? 

Hadlee 

He was the perfect vacation fling.
I needed to get laid and live a little. One night with him would revive my shattered heart and arouse my senses. I could cast aside all my inhibitions and let my lust guide me.
And the best part, I would never have to see him again… or so I thought. 

Bryce 

She was my last taste at freedom.
I used her, just like all the others that came before her. The women I chose to be with had only one purpose… to fulfill my needs, and then I was done.
But she was different. She put me off balance and got under my skin.
But what did it matter… it’s not like one night was going to change my future.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

Get it today for only 99¢!

—

CHAPTER ONE:

Hadlee

It’s the very early hours of the morning, a few rays of sunshine are peeking in through the curtains at the sliding glass door, and I’m just waking up. There’s a gentle rocking to the ship, and I no longer hear the roar of the engines, so we must have arrived at our next port. Rolling onto my side, I immediately feel a throbbing in my head so intense, I moan in pain. I squeeze my closed eyes even tighter, willing the throbbing to ease as I take a few slow, deep breaths. Within moments, the pain eases, allowing me to snuggle in the covers and drift back to sleep.
As the ship sways, more and more sunlight pours through the curtains. I dread getting up, but coffee and a hot shower always help my headaches. The bed’s so warm and cozy, I can’t muster enough energy to move, let alone open my eyes. I drift in and out of sleep for a bit longer until I get the oddest sensation, I’m not alone in my bed. This sort of thing happens to me more often than I care to admit, but this time, the feeling is slightly different but not enough to alarm me. Thinking my mind is once again playing its usual tricks, I grab the cover tighter to my body and ease back into my pillow.
The mattress moves, and a muscular arm wraps protectively across my waist, pulling me flush against his body. I’m not fully awake yet, so it takes me a few seconds to realize I’m not dreaming. When I feel a gentle breath on my neck and hear a small moan, my eyes fly open. Holding my breath, I look around, realizing I’m in Bryce’s cabin. My heart sinks and guilt cascades over me. I need to get out of here… now!
I can’t think and can barely breathe, listening so intently to the man behind me, trying to figure out my next move in full out panic mode. I’m trying so hard not to move or hyperventilate. I need to calm down, clear my head, and devise a plan to get out of here… and fast. How the hell did I get myself into this mess? Ah, yes, my sister. I can’t believe she talked me into this! She made it sound so simple, but I have no clue what I should do. I’m dumbfounded and frozen with fear.
Why didn’t I pay closer attention to my girlfriends’ stories? They’ve all been in my shoes, and each one has relayed a wonderful tale of how they gracefully and skillfully escaped unnoticed from a lover’s bed. Why can’t I remember anything they did? Damn! All I know is what common sense is telling me to do. I need to get untangled, get myself out of this bed, get dressed, and slip out the door. I have to be quick and quiet. I can’t run the risk of him waking and seeing me. What would I say then? ‘Uh, good morning, that was fun, thank you, and goodbye, then run out the door?
I’m a coward, I know, but I suck at confrontations, and I will do whatever it takes to find the easiest way out of an uncomfortable situation. Slipping out the door unnoticed would be the easiest thing for me to do right now, so why can’t I move? Why do I feel so protected and content, lying here in his arms? Why does this feel… right?
I slowly lift Bryce’s arm and rest it behind my back. He doesn’t move or say anything, which gives me the confidence I need to continue. Inch by inch, I slowly shift my body to the edge of the bed, using swift, fluid movements, so I don’t shake him too much. Once I’m perched on the edge, I hold my breath and listen. I pray he hasn’t noticed my absence, but I’m way too scared to look over my shoulder. When I hear nothing but slow, steady breathing, I assume Bryce is still asleep. It’s now or never. Holding my breath again, I carefully remove the sheet from my body, slowly swing my feet over the bed, and stand. I frantically look around the room, searching for my clothes, but I can’t seem to focus.
I’m buck ass naked and covered in goose bumps, my heart is racing, and I’m shaking. It would be all too easy to crawl back in bed, but I shake my head at that crazy thought. I need to stick to the mission—get out and get out fast! I quickly scan the floor at my feet. Shit, where are my clothes? I feel like I’m on a scavenger hunt as I scurry around the cabin, looking for anything to put on. I spot my shirt and pants by the couch and quickly dress. Scanning the cabin again, I find my panties and bra near the bathroom door and my shoes on top of the dresser. I gather them quickly and tuck them all under my left arm as I make a beeline for the door. As soon as my hand hits the knob, my body freezes. My heart’s screaming at me to look back. I can’t leave Bryce forever without taking one last look at him.
Damn, my memory was right. My mouth literally drops open. Bryce is absolutely gorgeous. The covers leave little to the imagination. I obviously did a horrible job slipping out of the bed, and when he rolled to his back, the sheet went missing. My eyes glued to his chiseled six-pack and strong, muscular chest, I stand there gawking, as last night’s memories flood my brain. Damn, he was way more than I bargained for. He was an incredible lover, and he outdid any fantasy I ever had. If circumstances were different, I would stay. If I was a stronger person, I would stay. But my past has ruined me. My heart is still shattered, and Bryce was just a one-night stand. I used him to revive my broken heart and arouse my senses. It’s been far too long since I had a connection with a man, but there is no way I’m ready for more than what Bryce and I had last night. He was just a quest, nothing more. Turning back to the door, I quietly slip out.

Author Bio: 

Lynn Wolff is a contemporary romance author and poet. She's a wife, a mother, an animal lover, and a huge romance junkie. She likes her heroines smart and strong, her heroes with charisma and style, and she has never read a romance hero she didn't like.

She lives in the northeastern region of the United States with her family but is ready to ditch the cold winters and move to warm, sunny Florida. She would much rather be shoveling sand than snow. When she isn't plotting or furiously tapping away on her keyboard, she is deep into the art of poetry, creating mini stories through rhythm and rhyme. 

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#WhenLoveFindsYou

BOOK BLITZ for "Burning for More (Burning for the Bravest, #1)" by Kaye Kennedy

Burning for More
(Burning for the Bravest, #1)
by Kaye Kennedy
Publication date: August 5th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

They seem destined to be, but could easily crash and burn. 

Dylan

His past made him notoriously reckless and, as a New York City fireman, that could prove fatal. After barely escaping a burning building with a victim, Autumn’s beautiful face was the last thing he expected to see, and their instant connection intrigued but terrified him.

Around her, he felt alive for the first time in over a decade. If he wanted to learn how to love again though, he’d have to let go of his past, and that was much easier said than done. 

Autumn

She was still licking her wounds from her previous relationship when Dylan Hogan crashed into her life, doing things to her heart (and her body) that she never thought possible. He made her feel like the person she always wanted to be, though she feared he’d run if he knew the truth.

She had to let him go before her past destroyed them both, but she didn’t want to extinguish their fire. What he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him, right? 

Dylan might be the savior that Autumn never knew she needed, but first she’d have to save him from himself. 

Find out if love can conquer all in this sexy romance with a twist that’ll take your breath away!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“I’ve been watching you walk around in this skirt all afternoon, and I’ve been craving to know what’s underneath it.”
I allowed my thighs to fall apart, giving him better access. “Why don’t you go ahead and find out?” I whispered into his lips.
His lips crashed against mine, not gentle like before. This time he was telling me just how much more he wanted, and I was so ready to give it to him. He sucked on my lips with such intensity, it felt as though I would become a part of him. His tongue darted into my mouth, in search of my own, and there was a gushing between my legs in response. He kissed me like I was his lifeline, pulling him to safety from the wide-open sea. My heart exploded at the thought. I didn’t just want this man. I needed him. With every fiber of my being, I needed him.


Author Bio:

Kaye Kennedy is a CEO by day and a romance novelist by night! She earned her degree in English Literature and taught college composition & literature classes before switching gears entirely and becoming an entrepreneur, starting three businesses. She writes steamy contemporary romances because who doesn't love love? 

Kaye lives in Florida with her hunk of a husband who often inspires her characters. Her real-life love story was love at first sight, and she adores reliving that excitement when writing her novels. In Kaye's stories, you can always expect a happily ever after that kisses and tells. 

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BOOK BLITZ for "The Witches of Vegas" by Mark Rosendorf

The Witches of Vegas
by Mark Rosendorf
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: August 5th, 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Where can Witches and their vampire mentor practice their powers without being discovered or persecuted? 

By using their magic, the Witches of Vegas become the number one act performing on the Las Vegas Strip—a great achievement for them, but not so much for the magicians—who can’t possibly keep pace. 

Isis Rivera is the adopted fifteen-year old daughter of The Witches of Vegas. Zack Galloway is the teenage nephew and assistant to the last magician left in the city. Although they should be rivals, when Valeria, a four-hundred-year-old witch with a long-seeded grudge against humanity arrives in Sin-City, both teens act to bring their families together to stop the evil hag in her tracks. 

But can the combined witches’ powers and the ingenuity of the magicians be enough to stop Valeria from taking over the city and possibly the world?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Excerpt:

Sebastian’s voice boomed through the theater. “Ladies and gentlemen, for the last five and a half years, you have had the opportunity to experience The Witches of Vegas four nights and three afternoons a week right here at the Sapphire Resort and Casino’s main theater. But today, you will be the very first audience to witness something truly spectacular!”
Isis’ shoulders tensed. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She had levitated many times, but never in front of more than four people. This time, it would be in front of over four thousand strangers. Wow, goosebumps popped out all over her arms and legs. She took deep breaths, just as they taught her, in through the nose and out through the mouth. It always helped calm her nerves. Right now, they really needed calming.
“We are about to bring out a new, young witch to the stage,” Sebastian explained. “She will have you believing that a young girl can become lighter than air!”
“Lighter than air.” Isis closed her eyes and chanted under her breath. “Lighter than air.” Her hands and feet tingled with each step toward the stage. The magic flowed through her veins like a steady leak from a faucet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the future goddess of magic, Isis!”
The crowd applauded. A slow, soothing music played through the speakers. Isis took a deep breath, then stepped out from behind the curtain. She could hear the audience but couldn’t see them behind the blinding spotlights. “Lighter than air,” she whispered a few more times.
Isis raised her right foot as if resting it on the first step of a long staircase. She placed her left foot next to the right. A few inches separated the soles of her bare feet from the stage floor. The crowd let out an “ooh.”
Time to make them “ahh.”
Isis reached up with both hands, then, like a swimmer at the bottom of a pool, pulled her body straight up. She floated until her hands touched the ceiling. Way too high. Isis pushed against the ceiling so she’d float down ever so slightly. She let her body go horizontal, then breast-stroked past the spotlights and directly over the audience. Astonished faces pointed her way.
“Lighter than air,” she said once again as a reminder to herself not to lose concentration.
Several feet ahead, a metal hoop hung from a rope attached to the ceiling. It had been placed there specifically for Isis’ benefit. Isis through the air until she passed through the hoop.
The crowd applauded.

Author Bio:

Mark Rosendorf 's writing is based on the personalities and experiences he has come across throughout his life, coupled with his own wild "if only I could do that" imagination. He is the author of the young adult series, The Witches of Vegas. He is also credited with The Rasner Effect series, a suspense/thriller trilogy published between 2009 and 2012. 

Born November, 25th, 1974, and raised in Queens New York, Mark holds a Master's Degree from Long Island University's Human Development and Leadership program. He is a licensed Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education's special education district. He began his counseling career in September, 2001. Prior to that, he worked in the hotel industry. 

Mark has also moonlighted as a professional magician. Today, he teaches magic and Illusion to his students in order to teach teamwork while developing their confidence.
Having accomplished his goals of becoming an author, Mark decided on an early retirement from writing. Then, one night, at two a.m., a new and unique story shot into Mark's brain like a lightning bolt, screaming for him to write it. Mark found himself spending several nights taking notes on the characters and their stories. That is how The Witches of Vegas was born. 

This is Mark's first young adult novel. 

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BOOK REVIEW for "Solitary Man (Smith Brothers, #3)" by Sherilee Gray

Solitary Man

(Smith Brothers, #3)

by Sherilee Gray

WIFE WANTED.

Something compelled me to reply, and with every email we exchanged, 

I fell harder for Cash Smith.

Only my new husband isn’t what I expected. 

He watches me, silent and hungry, like he wants to own every part of me. 

And when he shares that he’s never been with a woman, 

I’m determined to show him his raw hunger for me is exactly what we both need.

But he’s still guarding his heart — and when secrets are revealed, 

our fragile love is threatened. 

How can I build a future with my solitary man, 

when our beginning was built on lies? 

Amazon / Goodreads

~ BOOK REVIEW for Solitary Man ~

****(4) out of 5 stars!

I certainly didn't expect any additional books in the Smith Brothers series.  You know, given that there are just the two brothers.  But then along came Solitary Man.  No, there isn't a long-lost illegitimate half-brother lurking around.  (Or, if there is, it isn't Cash!)  But there IS this amazing Smith cousin.  

Cash is another big, quiet, passionate, mountain of a man, who looks intimidating but is really just an absolute sweetheart!  He lives a life even more isolated than his cousins, in such wilderness that the place is only accessible by air; and he's been pretty much living there alone for the last decade.  It's no wonder that he decides to try and meet someone online (like his cousin Beau had done).  Surprise, surprise (NOT!), he is not the best communicator; he doesn't really talk much at all, and he has a hard time expressing his feelings.  So of course there are some misunderstandings with Riley after she arrives.  

As it turns out, neither of them was being completely honest with one another in their email exchanges about themselves and their motivations and such.  (Although, to be fair, only one of them actually knew that.)  Unfortunately, all this does create some drama for them to work through.  But there isn't much of anywhere for either of them to go (especially Riley), so they do eventually manage to get through to one another.  And we definitely end up with another very happy Smith couple!

I received a free eBook copy of this title from the author, 

and have willingly provided an honest review.

Book #1 in the Smith Brothers series, Mountain Man,
is currently FREE on all major eBook platforms!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand 

with her husband and their two children. 

When she isn't writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, 

searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, 

or fueling her voracious book addiction, 

she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand 

and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

Author's Website

BLOG TOUR & BOOK REVIEW for "The Good for Nothings" by Danielle Banas

The Good for Nothings
by Danielle Banas
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 4th, 2020
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

They’re only good at being bad.

Cora Saros is just trying her best to join the family business of theft and intergalactic smuggling. Unfortunately, she’s a total disaster. 

After landing herself in prison following an attempted heist gone very wrong, she strikes a bargain with the prison warden: He’ll expunge her record if she brings back a long-lost treasure rumored to grant immortality. 

Cora is skeptical, but with no other way out of prison (and back in her family’s good graces), she has no choice but to assemble a crew from her collection of misfit cellmates—a disgraced warrior from an alien planet; a cocky pirate who claims to have the largest ship in the galaxy; and a glitch-prone robot with a penchant for baking—and take off after the fabled prize. 

But the ragtag group soon discovers that not only is the too-good-to-be-true treasure very real, but they’re also not the only crew on the hunt for it. And it’s definitely a prize worth killing for. 

Whip-smart and utterly charming, this irreverent sci-fi adventure is perfect for fans of "Guardians of the Galaxy," The Lunar Chronicles, and "Firefly."

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

~ BOOK REVIEW for The Good for Nothings ~

*** (3) out of 5 stars

I got a late start on this one, and I'm only about half way through, so I'll have to get back to you on it!  But, so far, so good!  Nothing that has blown my socks off yet, but the story seems to be moving right along.  (I saw something somewhere indicating that this might be Book #6 of a series, but this is the first I've heard that; and I can't find any more info to that effect.  But, regardless, it so far reads just fine as a standalone tale.)  There is a host of quirky main characters whom we seem to be very slowly getting to know.  Right now they are on a quest, and we'll just have to see how things go!  Honestly, it greatly reminds me of the original "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie, which took me awhile to warm up to as well, but soon became one of my favorite movies.  We'll see if this story holds true to form!

~ Continued!... ~

So this pretty well stayed true to form for me: meaning it was good, but not great.  Fun characters, intriguing story, a few surprises, many predictables.  There are a lot of betrayals, several of which I did not see coming; and some of which still left the ultimate victorious resolution of the story a bit of a downer.  Nothing spectacular here, but all-in-all a fun, entertaining read.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from Xpresso Book Tours via NetGalley, 

and have willingly provided an honest review.

Author Bio:

Danielle Banas is the author of THE SUPERVILLAIN AND ME and THE GOOD FOR NOTHINGS. She earned a degree in communication from Robert Morris University, where she spent slightly too much time daydreaming about new characters instead of paying attention in class. When she isn’t writing, Danielle can be found loudly singing show tunes, spouting off Disney World trivia, and snuggling with her puppy. She lives in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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BOOK BLITZ for "I Am Here Now" by Barbara Bottner

I Am Here Now
by Barbara Bottner
Published by: Macmillan
Publication date: August 4th, 2020
Genres: Coming of Age, Young Adult

Set in the 1960s, Barbara Bottner’s I Am Here Now is a beautiful novel in verse about one artist’s coming of age. It’s a heartbreaking, powerful and inspiring depiction of what it’s like to shatter your life—and piece it all back together.

You can’t trust Life to give you decent parents, or beautiful eyes, a fine French accent or an outstanding flair for fashion. No, Life does what it wants. It’s sneaky as a thief.  

Maisie’s first day of High school should be exciting, but all she wants is to escape. 

Her world is lonely and chaotic, with an abusive mother and a father who’s rarely there to help. 

So when Maisie, who finds refuge in her art, meets the spirited Rachel and her mother, a painter, she catches a glimpse of a very different world—one full of life, creativity, and love—and latches on. 

But as she discovers her strengths through Rachel’s family, Maisie, increasingly desperate, finds herself risking new friendships, and the very future she’s searching for.

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Excerpt:

THE CITY
The tiny fire escape is our private spot.
My dad says he’s sorry he’s gone so often.
Do I remember when I was six
and he took me into the city?
I wore a red coat, red shoes,
and perfect white leather gloves
embroidered with tiny blue buds.
I recall watching the road into New York:
billboards, telephone lines, bridges,
muddy sky.
The parking garage man said,
“So you’re the boss man’s little lady
I’ve heard so much about?”
The elevator man, Jimmy,
knew my name!
My dad’s corner office had the most windows,
the biggest desk, too.
My father bragged, “Your daddy runs this joint!”
From his window, as it got dark,
we could see Manhattan laid out in front of us
like a glittering tablecloth.
How could I not remember?
It was a perfect day,
until he turned the key in our front door.
Mother was waiting.
We were in for it.
A breeze pushes the fumes against my face.
He snuffs out a butt, then lights another,
says, “Look, kid, smoking’s a dirty habit.
I’m going to quit soon.”
“Teach me to smoke!” I say.
His eyebrows meet above his nose,
and as the tip of the cigarette burns,
it sends smoke into the clear night
like a signal.
Maybe, across the Harlem River
someone will see it,
realize we are signaling: Help!
“Let me try it, please? I want to be like you!”
“No, you don’t! Not now, not ever.”
“But, Dad, at least I should know
what I’ll be missing for the rest of my life.”
He smiles so wide, I can see his molars.
“Well, you’ll never know about the future,”
he says, ominously.
I grab his arm.
“Tell me the truth.
Are you thinking of leaving?”
“Leaving what?”
“Dad!”
“What?”
“Us! Please! Please don’t leave!
You can’t. I mean it!
She hates me.”
“Calm down, Maisie,” he says.
My voice crackles.
“I’m just telling you, if you go,
she’ll put me in the ground.”
He ruffles my hair
as if I am being amusing.
I want to scream.
“You think I’m a rotten kid, too?”
“You’re a great kid, Maisie.”
“I’m trying to reform, Dad.”
“Maisie, honey,
I like you exactly the way you are:
spirited, smart, your own person.”
“Being my own person
is treacherous,” I say.
He turns to me.
“Are you working me over?” he asks.
I know not to answer.
“Okay, you poor kid, one puff.
I’ll give you one shot at it
but you have to do exactly what I say.
You have to learn how to inhale, okay?”
I do have to learn how to inhale.
How to breathe,
as if I belong here on the earth.
I look at his face,
think how I’m glad that he breaks the rules.
He says we’re alike.
That must be why I’m the way I am,
as my grandma likes to say,
always flirting with disaster,
as if disaster were my middle name.
“When you smoke,
you take in the deepest breath
as if you have to last underwater
without air.
Then, you keep it in
as long as you possibly can.”
“But you don’t do that, Dad.”
“I’ve been smoking a long time, kid.
Ready?” he says, and lights a fresh one.
I sit up tall under the stars,
put my feet on the bench,
straighten my back
so I can always remember
this moment, me and my dad,
on the same wavelength.
Me, trying to figure out
if he wants to protect me
while he’s teaching me to smoke.
How about telling me about school?”
He sighs, offers the cigarette.
“It has its moments,” I say,
and close my lips around the tobacco,
inhale really, really deeply.
I am about to show him the bruises
I still have on my arm,
but then the smoke curls in my chest,
which immediately wants to explode.
“Hold it in,” he commands.
“Don’t let it out.”
Finally my mouth opens
because I’m coughing and gasping.
It feels like some kind of torture.
The taste is nasty.
“It’s awful!” I cough.
“It tastes horrible, feels horrible.”
I’m practically crying.
“So disgusting! How could you?!”
My dad laughs.
“Well, now you never have to do it again!”
I dash inside, refuse to speak to him
for the rest of the night.
“I’m done with you, Dad!”
He laughs!
Later he knocks on my door,
takes my hand.
“Between you and me,
if anything ever happened—
not that it will—in the leaving department,
wherever I’d go,
you’d be coming with me, kid.
I promise.”
I throw my arms around him.
Later I will drift off wondering
how much warning he’d give me.
And what about my brother?

Author Bio:

Barbara Bottner has written about 50 books for children of all ages. In August, her first YA novel in free verse, I Am Here Now is coming out from Macmillan (Imprint). She's written a NY Times Bestseller, as well as staffed prime time sit-com, sold screenplays, published essays and short stories in both national and literary magazines and reviewed children's books for both the NY and LA Sunday Book Review. Many of her works have been multiply translated and animated, and adapted for short plays. When she was an animator, she won "Best Film For TV" from the Annecy International Animation Festival. When very young, she briefly appeared on stage and in Europe with La Mama Plexus and in television movies. She teaches writing for children privately but won The Distinguished University Teaching Award from The New School For Social Research. Her papers are collected in the Arne Nixon Center for Children's Literature at Fresno State. 

Former students include: Lane Smith, Robin Preiss Glaser, Peggy Rathmann, Bruce Degen, Barney Saltsburg and Antoinette Portis. 

She feels blessed to have a passion that seems to stick with her no matter how the larger world goes out of control. 

 Goodreads / Instagram / MacMillan Publishers

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