Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I have been on hiatus from my blog, due to a family emergency. Things should be back to normal soon and I should be back to visiting and posting very soon. Thank you for understanding and continuing to supporting me and my blog.
I miss everyone and I miss seeing all the great blogs and posts out there. Hope to see you soon!
Thanks again ~Lisa/@Silverlight00
Friday, July 27, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Book Tour Review: Unguarded by Ashley Robertson
UnGuarded
Kindle Edition, 245 pages
Published July 1st 2012
Paranormal, angels,
Fantasy
Guardian angel Selene was so close to becoming an archangel—the supreme of all beings—until she fell in love with Cole, a forbidden dark one. Once she discovers her vampire lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her number one priority—Caitlyn, her human charge—there really is only one answer in Selene’s mind, even though leaving Caitlyn unguarded will most likely cause Selene to fall from grace.
But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well.
With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves.
But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well.
With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves.
Excerpt
Cole waved his hand. “But what about your consequences? If you keep this up, you may lose…” He sighed. “Everything.”
“I may have already lost everything”—my tone sounding subdued. “This might be the last time you ever see me, and this is how you want it to go down?”
“What do you mean by that? Your archangel would never destroy you.”
“No, you’re probably right about that, but it isn’t fully up to him—”
“If that happens, I’ll find you!” he shot back with a sharp tone. “If you become fallen, I’m still going to love you.” He scooped me up in his arms and his lips crushed mine.
I savored the kiss for a moment longer than I felt comfortable. After all, the heat from that kiss would fuel me for the treacherous journey ahead. My hand cupped his cheek, feeling his jawbone beneath the soft flesh. “I love you, Cole. Always.”
Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring ● Website
● Goodreads
● Google +
Review
Selene is an angel destined to become an archangel, who oversees and protects her human charge, Caitlyn. Selene has fallen in love with a vampire named Cole. Angels and vamps are not allowed to be together, but that doesn't stop these two. With so much at stake we learn the ramifications of falling for a forbidden love. Selene is at risk within her kind and may never become an archangel. Cole is captured by a demon and now Selene may put everyone at risk including her human Caitlyn, by teaming up with another vampire, Luke to try and save everyone. Luke is a character who seems to be a better fit with Selene and a nice love triangle would of been great to see, although you do see jealousy spring up between these guys.
Unguarded was a well written, action-induced read with only a few speed bumps along the way. The only gripe I really have and I'm sure by now the author is in the mist of writing it, would be a prequel to this book. A little backstory of exactly how Cole and Selene meet and fall in love would really be a great addition to this story. I also felt at times that Selene would go to great lengths for her love Cole, but the one she is supposed to go to great lengths for, and protect, Caitlyn, is basically left to her own defense. Now, remember Selene is an angel who only should be doing good and helping her human, not exactly the case here when she is trying to do her best to save Cole, the most. All in all though, I will say the story was a different take on the paranormal aspect and I did enjoy reading this quick-paced read.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Guest Post and Giveaway: Author Krystal McLaughlin
Life is easy when you have everything you want; great friends, a boyfriend who loves you, a happy family that supports you, brothers that both protect and annoy you. I had all of that… once.
That was before the accident. That was before the murder. That was before… The Willows.
Evelyn Magwire now has a choice to make. Does she turn her back on the mysteries that have consumed her life, or does she face the darkness and find the truth? When her brother comes up missing, the choice is made for her. Forced on a path where her friends become her enemies and her enemies become her friends, Evie learns that the changes happening to herself are the scariest of all. She’s not sure she will ever be the same again… Because some changes are forever… and bloodlust… never dies.
That was before the accident. That was before the murder. That was before… The Willows.
Evelyn Magwire now has a choice to make. Does she turn her back on the mysteries that have consumed her life, or does she face the darkness and find the truth? When her brother comes up missing, the choice is made for her. Forced on a path where her friends become her enemies and her enemies become her friends, Evie learns that the changes happening to herself are the scariest of all. She’s not sure she will ever be the same again… Because some changes are forever… and bloodlust… never dies.
Guest Post
Hello Everyone!
I am so excited to be introducing not only myself, but also my books to you all. My name is Krystal George and I have also written under the name Krystal McLaughlin. I am an avid reader of young adult books - mostly I prefer the paranormal, but I am a sucker for a good romance. I have published the first two books in The Enchanted Island Series - The Witches Lottery and A Dragon Forsaken. If you like magic, mystery, and a fast paced story, these books are for you! My newest book, The Willows, explores the real love between siblings and how far you would go to save the ones you love; even if that takes you into a dark world of vampires and bloodlust.
As a writer, it was easy for me to choose paranormal. When you create something out of the realm of normalcy, you have complete control over your characters, your environment, and your story. You don't have to conform to the rules of reality and that is enough to propel any story in my head onto paper. I have written real life and may publish those stories in the future, but for now, I love to live in the possibilities of the unknown!
I, myself, am very family oriented and you will find a lot of those ties in my books. I am the proud mother of a beautiful daughter, the lucky step mother of a promising young girl, and have another on the way!! I have loved vampires and faeries as long as I can remember and believe that magic is real - it's just a matter of looking for it and believing. I have a horrific fear of Orca's and an ongoing love for Harry Potter!!
Today, I have exciting news... My fourth book, Guardian of the Realm: A Faerie Tale is set to be released within the next four weeks. In anticipation of this occasion, I would like to offer all of you a chance to win an ebook copy of each of my books! With the help of Lisa, two lucky winners will be awarded!
For more information on my books, you can find me on:
Smashwords
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
krystalmclaughlin.blogspot.com
twitter @witcheslottery
FB - Krystal McLaughlin
I am really excited and hope that you all take this opportunity to enter into the worlds I have created! I am looking forward to sharing them with you.
Let me just say first, how awesome is that cover? I really like it! Look at those eyes an the blood running out of her mouth, totally cool!
Thanks for stopping by Krystal I loved the guest post!
O.K. I know you want me to clam up and do the giveaway, now, right? Alright here it is...
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2- Winners will win all four e-books listed above, directly from Krystal
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
2- Winners will win all four e-books listed above, directly from Krystal
Cover Reveal: Shift by Raine Thomas
SHIFT (Firstborn #2)
By Raine Thomas
Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.
A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.
Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.
The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.
A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.
Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.
The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.
Raine Thomas
DEFY (Firstborn Trilogy, Book 1) - NOW AVAILABLE
Now Available: BECOMING | CENTRAL | FORETOLD
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Review: Snow White & The Huntsman by Lily Blake
Paperback, 240 pages
Published June 5th 2012 by Poppy (first published January 1st 2012)
Copy provided by- Personal Purchase
A breathtaking new vision of a legendary tale. Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman who was dispatched to kill her.
Review-
Fast-paced fantasy adventure -quick enjoyable read based on the movie.
Since I hadn't seen the movie yet, I wanted to read the book first. But, I really didn't know this book was based on the movie before I bought it.
We start the adventure based on the Snow White fairytale by the original works of the Brothers Grimm.
Entering the Dark Forest is a death sentence, few have survived, but Snow manages to get lucky, although, I wouldn't call it luck per se. She passes out after a brief encounter with a drug-like plant. Meanwhile, back at the castle the Queen is irate and sends her brother and some forces to find and recapture Snow, with the help of a man who has actually survived trekking through the forest. The Huntsman, a drunk who is promised something in return for Snow, sets off with the Queen's men but as he sees Snow for the first time, he changes his mind and winds up helping her instead of the Queen. Now, they must escape this deadly forest or die trying.
Although, I would of loved to see more from this book as in the way of more elaborate scenes and settings it didn't disappoint or sway me from not seeing the movie. I adore fantasy novels, movies, etc. I also love the scenes, special effects, etc. in fantasy worlds. I'll be looking forward to the movie, as the book does not depict every detail in the actual movie.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Waiting On Wednesday #4
Expected publication: September 18th 2012 by Gallery Books
Lucy Weston tracks down the novelist Bram Stoker in her search to reveal the dark force who made her a vampire--and regain her humanity in the process.In the steampunk world of Victorian London, Lucy Weston, a character in "Dracula," seeks out Bram Stoker to discover why he deliberately lied about her in his popular novel. With Stoker's reluctant help, she tracks the creature who transformed her from the sensual underworld where humans vie to become vampires to a hidden cell beneath a temple to madness and finally into the glittering Crystal Palace where death reigns supreme. Haunted by fragmentary memories of her lost life and love, Lucy battles her thirst for blood as she struggles to stop a catastrophic war that will doom vampires and humans alike. Ultimately, she makes a choice that illuminates for her--and for us--the true nature of what it means to be human.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Interview: Katie Jennings Author of The Dryad Quartet Series
Firefight in Darkness (Dryad Quartet #2)
A Life Earthbound (Dryad Quartet #3)
Of Water and Madness (Dryad Quartet #4)
A Life Earthbound (Dryad Quartet #3)
Of Water and Madness (Dryad Quartet #4)
Check out the trailer for the series!
Interview
1) Tell me a little about yourself?
I’m a mid-twenty-something year old girl with an imagination for days and a supportive husband who thinks I’m a colossal nerd. I write because I love it, and because breathing life into characters is the greatest escape I’ve ever found. Most of my time is spent puttering around online, editing my latest book, or feeding people food to my cat. I live just north of Los Angeles, and enjoy reading fantasy and romance novels, watching Once Upon a Time, playing around on Photoshop, and finding new music to fall in love with. I believe in, above all else, happy endings.
2) When did you decide to start writing, and how did you come up with the idea for your books?
2) When did you decide to start writing, and how did you come up with the idea for your books?
I started writing as a hobby when I was thirteen or fourteen, but The Dryad Quartet is the first full book series I’ve written.
I began formulating my ideas for the Dryad Quartet with the basic premise that I knew I wanted to write about people who could control the elements. I knew I wanted specific characters for each element, Air, Fire, Earth and Water, and that they would be responsible for maintaining the balance of our planet. From there I started researching into mythology and took much of my inspiration from that, utilizing characters such as Mother Earth, Father Sky, the Muses, the Fates, etc. I brought them all together and then decided I wanted the entire series to be set in modern times, in our own world, essentially. I myself prefer fantasy that is relatable that way; with places and people that we ourselves can understand but is made extraordinary by the fantasy element in the story. So while the characters themselves may live in a fictional land, Euphora, they still interact with our world.
3) Explain to my readers what your books are about, and why we would enjoy reading them?
The Dryad Quartet is a contemporary fantasy series revolving around the fictional land of Euphora, where beings inspired by Greek mythology exist to preserve the balance of nature and human life, and to protect the living from the evil residing in the Underworld. Take a journey into a world where Mother Earth and Father Sky exist, secretly hidden from human awareness, and yet crucial to the creation and stability of our world. They are joined by those who control the elements, the Dryads, as well as the Fates, Muses, and Furies, all of whom play an integral role in preserving Earth and guarding those who inhabit it.
The books are geared toward readers who love fantasy, romance, adventure, mystery, and Young Adult books.
4) As an author, what would you say is the most difficult part of writing promoting or writing?
The most difficult part, without a doubt, is marketing. Writing comes naturally; it’s a fun and exhilarating experience for me. But when I got into this I didn’t know the first thing about marketing or how to promote myself. I tried to research it a little bit, but I really jumped in feet first hoping I could somehow make it all work out. Let’s just say I’ve learned A LOT in the last few months since I released my first book. And really, I’m still learning. I think every author who chooses to self-publish goes down this road of trial and error, joy and heartache. It’s a never-ending battle to fight to stay above water. But, I would be lying to myself if I didn’t say that it was all so worth it, especially when fans contact me and tell me how much they love the books. It’s what keeps me going.
5) What has been your inspiration, when it comes to writing?
People are my inspiration, without a doubt. I love delving into different personality types and exploring traits and flaws and quirks. I refer to my astrology handbook frequently when brainstorming for a story, and try and make my characters feel real and personable. I love characters that are the furthest thing from perfect, and strive to accomplish that in each book I write.
Other than that, music is another big inspiration. My newest book that I will be releasing in August (unrelated to the Dryad Quartet) was completely inspired and based upon one of my all time favorite songs. I took what the song meant to me and built an entire story around it, and then found other songs to supplement my emotions about the characters I had created. Adele and Florence and the Machine are huge inspirations to me, as well as Jason Mraz, Fleetwood Mac, and Elton John.
6) Favorite books read, so far this yr?
I had the pleasure of reading this EXCELLENT book series called The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. My friend forced them on me, but I’m so glad he did. They are about a professional Wizard living in Chicago who deals with paranormal events, vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc. Not only are the books hilariously funny at times, they are also disturbingly scary, which is a unique blend I have never read before. The main character, Harry Dresden, is one of the best literary characters I have ever read about. He’s witty, sarcastic, chivalrous, daring, and oh so nerdy, and I just fell in love with him from the very start.
7) What is your latest project?
I just recently finished and am editing a family dynasty fiction novel. It is about a prestigious hotel family; an American empire that has its roots in the Industrial Revolution and its home in the posh Upper East Side of New York City. But the family’s past comes back to haunt the newest generation as their great grandfather’s suicide from nearly sixty years earlier is suddenly discovered to have been murder. Throw in a lot of hidden motives, lies, more murder, and a complex cast of characters that weave together to form the great Vasser hotel family. It’s a bit darker and more adult than the Quartet books, and runs more along the vein of a romantic/mystery/thriller novel.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Katie, It was a pleasure learning about you and your series. Much success to you!
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