Friday, January 10, 2014

Blind to the Bones Book Blast & Giveaway

 


Title:  Blind to the Bones:  A Cooper & Fry Mystery (Ben Cooper & Diane Fry #4)

Author:  Stephen Booth

Genre:  Mystery

Publication Date:  January 7, 2014

Publisher:  Witness Impulse, an Imprint of HarperCollins 

Event organized byLiterati Author Services, Inc.

 

 

Synopsis

This taut, atmospheric thriller is perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell and Peter James.

A death in the family from hell brings detectives Fry and Cooper to a remote and unfriendly rural community in their fourth psychological thriller.

“And as it grew dark, Withens became almost entirely silent. Except for the screaming.”

A small village in the Peak District, Withens is troubled by theft and vandalism, mostly generated by a family of local delinquents, the Oxleys. Now the town is the focus of a murder investigation. A man’s body has been found on the bleak moors nearby, and the victim is an Oxley. To crack the case, DC Ben Cooper must break open the degenerate clan.

His boss, DS Diane Fry, is also in Withens. Grim new evidence has turned up in the case of a missing student, but her parents refuse to believe she could be dead.

The darkness in Withens’s heart is growing. And things are only going to get nastier

 

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Link:  Amazon US | Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

About the Author

 

STEPHEN BOOTH is an award winning British crime writer, the creator of two young Derbyshire police detectives, DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry, who have appeared in twelve novels set in England’s beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.


Stephen has been a Gold Dagger finalist, an Anthony Award nominee, twice winner of a Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel, and twice shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. Ben Cooper was a finalist for the Sherlock Award for the best detective created by a British author, and in 2003 the Crime Writers’ Association presented Stephen with the Dagger in the Library Award for “the author whose books have given readers the most pleasure”.


The Cooper & Fry series is published all around the world, and has been translated into 15 languages.

 

Connect with the Author:  Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

 

 

Blast-Wide Giveaway  

 

 

<a id="rc-f229a491" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f229a491/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

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Sunday, January 5, 2014

Dazed Cover Reveal




Title: Dazed (Connections #2.5)
Release date: April 1st, 2014

Pre-Order Links:
✿ AMAZON preorder - http://amzn.to/1hwLS9g ✿ B&N preorder - http://bit.ly/1cOoxeO ✿ iTUNES preorder - http://bit.ly/1a4JC3T
✿ Goodreads - http://bit.ly/INDvKs
✿ Dreamcast - http://bit.ly/1c8aiDP




DAZED SYNOPSIS:
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…


EXCERPT from Dazed
 Connections #2.5 
by Kim Karr © 2014 by Kim Karr
Published by the Penguin Group 
Release date: April 1, 2014

There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm... just thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.

Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark, day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true— opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.
“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says from behind me.

His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.

He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats.My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is utterly beautiful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright white teeth.

“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.
“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.

This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy. It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare, unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this man, captivates me.

“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.

He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles scripted across it.

“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks.

Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I glance at my number—97.

The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.

“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that holds his treasure.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take another number,” he says.

I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.

“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number being called.”

“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.

He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”

I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement, then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr...I’m so angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.

***********************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************

INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #2
Title: TORN (Connections #2)
TORN SYNOPSIS:

Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…

Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.
                                                                                                              
River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended?  Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?
** TORN ** (available now - follow up to Connected)
✿ Excerpt - http://bit.ly/1dbgvA7 ✿ Dreamcast - http://bit.ly/JfJEiP ✿ Trailer 1 - http://bit.ly/1abcdV8 ✿ Trailer 2 - http://bit.ly/JuLAn3 ✿ Goodreads - http://bit.ly/1c917El

INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #1: (posting this is optional)
Title: Connected (Connections #1)
CONNECTED SYNOPSIS:
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice? 

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate. 

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her. 

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?


** CONNECTED ** (available now - first book of the series)
✿ Excerpt - http://bit.ly/1abbByJ ✿ Dreamcast - http://bit.ly/1cUq9DN ✿ Trailer - http://bit.ly/1crFRJS ✿ Goodreads -http://bit.ly/1edO9E2

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year

2013 was a great year for me. It was the year that I decided to start blogging, and it might seem silly but this blog has been a sort of saving grace to me. Over the last 5 years, my husband and I have struggled with infertility and after spending thousands and thousands of dollars on unsuccessful fertility treatments and unmeasurable heartache, we brought in 2013 with the knowledge that having a baby just isn't in the cards for us right now. We vowed to spend the year traveling and focusing on all of the things we DO have rather than worrying and hurting over the one thing we don't.  Easier said than done, but I am proud to say that I am finally at peace with our situation and as I mentioned before, this blog has a LOT to do with it. You see, reading has always been my favorite past time, and throughout my struggle with infertility, losing myself in fiction helped me to escape the pain of my reality. Knowing that reading was such a source of comfort to me, my best friend encouraged me to start blogging about the books I was reading. At first I thought it was a silly idea, but I decided to give it a try and Bookworm Beauties was born. 

I cannot even begin to express how this blog has helped my heart heal.  I honestly thought the only people that would ever even see my little blog would be my mom and I, so I have been absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the number of people who actually follow and visit the blog on a regular basis. Sharing my love for books with all of you has truly been therapeutic for me. Every single comment, email, like, share, message, and follow has brought a smile to my face and been a source of encouragement. Every time one of you messaged me asking for book recommendations or emailed to say you loved a book I reviewed, it brought such joy to my heart and gave me a sense of validation. I know this isn't the best or biggest book blog out there, and I can't dedicate as much time to blogging as I wish I could, but knowing that I am helping even one person ignite a love for reading encourages me to keep going and makes me so incredibly happy.


 All that being said, I want to give each of you a heartfelt THANK YOU for supporting me and this blog.  May 2014 bring you health, happiness, love, and BOOKS... lots of books! ;-) 


Here is a list of my favorite books from 2013... (in no particular order!)


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay


Making Faces by Amy Harmon


A Different Blue by Amy Harmon


Tangled by Emma Chase


Bully by Penelope Douglas


Left Drowning by Jessica Park


Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover


The Love Me With Lies Series by Tarryn Fisher


Ten Tiny Breaths Series  (Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie) by K.A. Tucker


Wait For You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)


Falling into You by Jasinda Wilder


The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorenson


Present Perfect by Alison G. Bailey


Wallbanger by Alice Clayton


This Girl by Colleen Hoover


The Losing It Series by Cora Carmack


Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout


The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan-Miles


Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan


Under Different Stars by Amy A. Bartol


The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski


The Rosemary Beach Series by Abbi Glines



Sunday, December 22, 2013

Under Different Stars Blog Tour



Title:   Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author:   Amy A. Bartol
Genre:  YA Dystopian


Book Blurb:

All she wants is a home, but can she find one...UNDER DIFFERENT STARS

Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.

Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go.

Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket's gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own.

When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?


Excerpt:

Water swirls around me as I open my eyes. I shiver, realizing I’m in Trey’s arms. He’s standing chest deep in crystal blue water with Wayra pacing on the bank only steps away. Clutching Trey closer to me, my cheek remains on his shoulder. Watching a bead of water slip down his powerful neck, I hear Jax say, “She’s waking up.”

Trey, cupping his hand in the water, pours some of it over my hair. It drips down the sides of my face, cooling me. “Let’s get her out. I’ll get the visor and we can check her vitals.”

As Trey wades out of the pond with me in his arms, I try to lift my head from his shoulder. It makes me dizzy so I lay it back. It’s then I notice that I’m only in my bra and underwear. A blush creeps into my cheeks as I hug Trey tighter to me. Wayra meets us on the bank, draping a blanket over us. Trey sits down with me on his lap. He leans against a tree trunk holding me securely to his chest. Peeking at his face, he seems angry as he smoothes my hair back from my face.

Hurrying over with the visor that looks like grandma goggles, Trey sets them on my eyes. Everything is green as I gaze around at the water in front of us. Flashing green lights and readouts occupy the peripherals of the glasses, but the information is running faster than I can possibly read it.
“Ho!” Jax exclaims next to me.

Immediately, Trey’s arms tighten on me as he barks out, “What? How bad is it?”
“Naw, it’s not bad…it’s just…Kricket…” Jax breathes, like he’s in awe. “Look at this brain activity…it’s massive.”

“What do you mean?” Trey asks with relief in his tone.

Jax grins. “She’s lighting everything up. Look at her frontal lobe…it’s off the charts.”

“What does that mean? Is she healthy?” Trey growls.

Jax nods enthusiastically. “She’s healthy! We didn’t fry her with heat stroke, that’s for sure. Or, if we did, she’s got more brain activity than anyone I’ve ever seen to compensate for it,” he replies, sounding seriously geeked about it.

“Those things aren’t broken, are they?” Trey asks speculatively.

“No…here.” Jax pulls them off my face. “Wayra, come here.”

Wayra walks over and Jax puts the glasses on his eyes. “See! He’s normal, well, normal for him. See how it doesn’t light up in these areas?” he points out to Trey.

“Yes.”

“Now watch this,” he says, taking the glasses off of Wayra, he places them back on my face. “See? It’s like Christmas in Chicago with all those lights,” Jax says proudly.

“So that means she’s smart?”

Jax beams. “Yeah, she’s smart! She’s brilliant! There’s no telling what she can do.”

“If she’s so smart, why did she run until she almost popped? Why didn’t she just tell us she needed to rest?” Wayra asks derisively.

“Personality flaw,” Trey replies. “She’s going to show us that she’s not weak.”

“She’s sitting right here,” I murmur, pulling the glasses off my face and handing them to Jax.

MY REVIEW:

I could not put this book down. It is a fast paced, action packed read full of suspense, intrigue, and sci-fi awesomeness! Once the story really got going there was seriously never a dull moment. The writing was great, the plot was exciting, and the characters (both main and secondary) were extremely likeable. Kricket in particular is a brave, smart, and witty heroine that any young girl could look up to. Trey is a super sweet (and hunky) hero, who is protective and noble, and had me feeling like a giddy school girl throughout the entire story. The relationship that blossoms between Kricket and Trey is the perfect combination of attraction, angst, and romance. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the concept behind this story. It was refreshingly unique and creative, and as I said before, very well written. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Kricket and Trey in the next book! I give this book a solid 4 stars and highly recommend it for those of you who love a good dystopian/sci-fi story! Well done, Amy! 

AUTHOR LINKS:


AUTHOR BIO:


I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re  real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed.

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY (OPEN INTERNATIONALLY):

  • 1st place: KINDLE FIRE + ebook of Under Different Stars
  • 2nd place: Kindle Cover + $50 Amazon Gift Card
  • 3rd place: $50 Amazon Gift Card


GIVEAWAY CONDITIONS:

  • Giveaway administered by Amy A. Bartol
  • Winners will be notified via email and if winner does not respond within 5 days another winner will be selected
  • Amazon ships most Kindle e-readers worldwide, however, it is up to the participant to ensure the country they reside in is listed as one of the countries Amazon ships to. If a winner is selected and Amazon does not ship to their country, another winner will be selected.







PURCHASE LINKS: