Quote of the Day

Flawed by J.L. Spelbring - Book Blast

In a world where Hitler won the The War, and perfection is constantly sought, Ellyssa has broken free from her austere life and has found another meaning for her existence.

Family, friendship, and love.

But her happiness is short lived. Ellyssa finds herself on the run, again. Her father's work didn't die with him, but lives on in her siblings, Aalexis and Xaver, and they are determined to complete his unfinished dream.

FLAWED BY J.L. Spelbring 

Book Two in the PERFECTION series.

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: August 12th 2014 by Spencer Hill Press

Pre-order FLAWED TODAY

AMAZON † B&N 

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CHECK OUT BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES

Praise for PERFECTION...

"This book is seriously so unique and amazing it's mind-blowing!" ~ Lauran Hammond

"Wow! That was my initial reaction after finishing Perfection. This is without a doubt one of the most well thought out, cleverly-written and unique books I have ever read." ~ K-Books

"4 stars - Chilling and provocative, these characters will get to you." ~ Stuck In Books

Available on

Amazon † B&N 

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You can request an ARC copy of FLAWED 

HERE 

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Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the bottom of the rafflecopter before entering.

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J.L. Spelbring - lives in Texas, where she wanders out in the middle of the night to look at the big and bright stars. Besides knocking imaginary bad guys in the head with a keyboard, she enjoys being swept away between the pages of a book, running amuck inside in her own head, pretending she is into running, and hanging out with her kids, who are way too cool for her.

WEBSITE † FACEBOOK † TWITTER † GOODREADS

Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul - A Quick Review

If you want writing inspiration, and inspiration for your life, look no further than the Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul: Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Writers.

I have to make a confession here - I haven't finished reading the entire book. But I can tell you, that in two days of reading it, I held back tears (since I was commuting in public transportation), chuckled and got crazy inspired. The book is a collection of essays and stories by writers about their writing and life journey, about how they persevered and how they touched the lives of others by been writers. These are all kinds of writers, fiction and non-fiction, journalists and novelists.

I was inspired so much that, besides the writing on my WIP, I sat down last night to start writing my recollections of growing up in Kiev, Ukraine and moving to America. I don't know if anything more will come out of it this - it might just end up been an essay for my own private writing collection - but who knows...The point is, I want to write, write, write!

I would definitely recommend this book to any writer seeking inspiration, motivation or just looking to read stories about other writers and their writing life.

What are you favorite books on writing?

Quote of the Day

Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.

  ~ Jane Yolen

Contests & Giveaways in the Writing World - Week of February 24th

 Here are some great contests and giveaways to start off your week right!

Book's Blog is hosting a blog tour stop for Aubrie Dionne's Pan's Conquest. Aubrie is sharing her top 5 goddesses and doing a giveaway for Pan-themed jewelery and a very cool Pan jar.

Last week to enter the Tales from the Dark Side...of Love Giveaway. Lots of amazing prizes, including Kindle Fire HD, Amazon Gift Cards, and lots of books! Don't miss this one!

Head on over to the Entangled in Romance for the Entangled in the Wild Giveaway. Great creative, follow the instructions and get a chance to win an Amazing Teen Prize Pack and a $50 Gift Card!

Hurry to Rainy Day Ramblings for a guest post, review and giveaway - Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep! You don't want to miss this.

This is the last week to enter the Fish Flash Fiction Prize 2014. The contest is closing on February 28th. The prizes include being published in the 2014 Fish Anthology, an invitation to the West Cork Literary Festival in July, and, for the first prize, €1,000!


And, of course, below are the reminders of the on-going writing contests not to miss:

Writing Women's Fiction and looking for a writing contest? Check out Women's Fiction Writers Rising Star Contest. Open to all categories. Contest opens on May 1st, the deadline for entry is June 27th. Check out the details here.

Are you, or do you know someone, who has ever served in the Military? Check out the Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans. This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter. Open for submission on April 15th and the deadline is May 15th. 

Enter the 83rd Annual Writing Competition from Writer's Digest? Early Bird entry deadline is May 5th. Prizes include a chance to win $3,000 cash, get a one-on-one attention with four editors or agents and much more. And the winner will be announced on the cover of Writer's Digest!

*As always, please contact me for the inclusion of your contests/giveaways into the Monday Contests and Giveaways in the Writing World posts.

Have fun and good luck! 

Also, don't forget to become a follower of this blog to make sure you catch giveaways coming soon!

Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington - Trailer Reveal and Giveaway!

Kiss of Fire

by Rebecca Ethington

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to. The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

Are you ready to witness the awesomeness of this book trailer?

CHECK IT OUT!

ADD TO GoodReads

DOWNLOAD KISS OF FIRE FREE 

Amazon † Barnes &Noble

For a limited time only get book two and three for 99¢

Eyes of Ember on Amazon

Scorched Treachery on Amazon

Also available on Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo Books. 

Book three was just recently released on February 17th 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHHLDIQ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IHHLDIQ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/soul-of-flame/id795258318?mt=11

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-of-flame-rebecca-ethington/1118140766?ean=2940045561600

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/soul-of-flame

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Honor Among Orcs Cover Reveal and Giveaway!

I know you're loving all the Cover Reveals. And so, here's one more!

Honor Among Orcs

by Amalia Dillin 

Designed by: Melissa Stevens (Website)
Publication Date: April 1, 2014
Series: Orc Saga, Book One
Genre: Fantasy (18+)

After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained and trapped inside a magic mirror, Arianna cannot help but see a lasting freedom from her father's abuse.

Left to rot inside a mirror by the king, Bolthorn never imagined his prayers would be answered by a princess. Nor did he ever expect to meet so worthy a woman after knowing her father’s cruelty. He needs her help to escape the mirror before the king marches against the orcs, but all he can offer Arianna is ice and darkness in exchange for her aid.

If Arianna can free the monster behind the glass, perhaps she might free herself, as well. But once they cross the mountain, there will be no return, and the deadly winter is the least of what threatens them on the other side. Romance blossoms in this gripping fantasy adventure.


EXCERPT

He knew these woods, sparse as they had become, and when they broke, he knew the tundra of the foothills too. Just before dawn, he found the outcrop beneath which he had made a shelter his first night beyond the mountains, and though he did not dare to light a fire, the sedge made a soft bed.

After a meal of apples and cheese, the last of their food, Arianna curled against his side, sharing the fur, and rested her head on his shoulder. He tested her forehead for fever and breathed his relief when she did not burn against his palm.

She tugged his hand away, a small smile curving her lips. “You worry overmuch. There are still two days of warmth before I must fight your cruel winds. I will be well enough for your mountains by then.”

His fingers lingered against her skin and her smile faded. He traced the clan-markings on her cheek and her lips parted, her heart thrumming in his ears.

“Bolthorn –”

Up the bridge of her nose and over her eyebrow, the umber flaked from her skin, coloring his fingertip. Down along the line of her jaw, to the pulse point beneath. Her breathing hitched. He only wished the marks had reached her collarbone, to give him some excuse to trail his fingers across the smooth skin there.

“You make a beautiful orc.”

“Not a Vala?” she asked, her eyelashes sweeping across her cheek.

“The Vala cannot marry.” The sunlight caught in her hair, flashing reds within the rich brown and he smoothed the soft, wild strands from her face. “They cannot bear children, or know the touch of any kind of man after they have made their vows. They know only the ancestors and the mysteries they reveal.”

“Oh,” she breathed.

Oh. It was the first thing she had ever said to him, trembling against the stone. She trembled now, too. As she should, he thought, knowing herself within the arms of an orc. He closed his eyes and drew his hand back. This was a dangerous game to play with her so near, so vulnerable.

“Sleep well, princess,” he said, his jaw tight against his need. “You’ll want your strength.”

She made a noise in the back of her throat, but when he glanced at her, she had turned away.

About the Author

Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course. 

Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy from World Weaver Press, and the soon to be released Orc Saga, coming April 1, 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.amaliadillin.com

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GIVEAWAY

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Reveal Info Designed by: Melissa Stevens (http://www.theillustratedauthor.net/) Title: Honor Among Orcs Series: Orc Saga #1 Publication Date: April 1, 2014 Genre: Fantasy Synopsis After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained and trapped inside a magic mirror, Arianna cannot help but see a lasting freedom from her father's abuse. Left to rot inside a mirror by the king, Bolthorn never imagined his prayers would be answered by a princess. Nor did he ever expect to meet so worthy a woman after knowing her father’s cruelty. He needs her help to escape the mirror before the king marches against the orcs, but all he can offer Arianna is ice and darkness in exchange for her aid. If Arianna can free the monster behind the glass, perhaps she might free herself, as well. But once they cross the mountain, there will be no return, and the deadly winter is the least of what threatens them on the other side. Romance blossoms in this gripping fantasy adventure. Author Bio Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course. Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy from World Weaver Press, and the soon to be released Orc Saga, coming April 1, 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.amaliadillin.com Social Media Links (Please report any broken links) Website: www.amaliadillin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmaliaTd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaliaDillin Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmaliaDillin Tumblr: http://amaliadillin.tumblr.com/ Giveaway: There is a giveaway for this reveal. $5 Amazon Giftcard or PayPal Cash. Open Internationally. Ends 2/27. The code for the Rafflecopter is provided below. You are not required to post the giveaway, however, those who do not post it cannot enter their post in the Host Only giveaway. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal of Fury by Clarissa Wild

Today, I'm participating in yet another great Cover Reveal. And here it is...

 

 

 

Fury by Clarissa Wild
Publication date: March 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

 

Synopsis:

Would you risk everything for love?

Life has held nothing but hardships for Hunter Bane. Growing up with a learning disability wasn’t easy, especially when you’re poor. With only his brother to support him, Hunter clings to the short moments of happiness in life. Like when he meets Autumn Blakewood.

Autumn Blakewood is a geek at heart. Reading is her passion, and she can’t spend one day without her books. She’s always locked up in her room studying, trying to avoid trouble. Until Hunter comes into her life.

Hunter can’t resist the temptation to get closer to Autumn. She is his complete opposite, and yet he’s drawn to her in ways he can’t explain. But when his brother is caught dealing drugs and sent to prison, Hunter’s world shatters.
To save his brother, Hunter has to join the gang he’s feared his entire life. Now he’s forced to choose between his family and the one girl he loves. Fighting for both, his fury is all he needs…

Add it to your Goodreads TBR shelf now!: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20684841-fury?ac=1

----

AUTHOR BIO

 

 

Clarissa Wild is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals.

Want to know more about Clarissa or get in touch with her? 

Check out her sexy books: http://smarturl.it/clarissawildbooks
Join her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaWild

                                                      Or Twitter: https://twitter.com/WildClarissa

Quote of the Day

 

I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it

  ~ Thomas Jefferson

Quote of the Day

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. 

~ Lao Tzu

A Touch of Darkness Giveaway

To celebrate the price drop of A TOUCH OF DARKNESS eBook to $2.99, we're giving copies. Enter the giveaway below. Comment, tweet, like us on Facebook and Twitter, subscribe to the newsletter, and more all for chances to win!

Cassie’s working for a tightwad boss at a pretentious NYC diner, dealing with paralyzing pain that doctors can’t diagnose, and trying to hide her hands that glow purple whenever she ...well, whenever. So, when a mysterious stranger walks out of her dreams and into her life to spout some nonsense about her being a mythical creature, she chalks it up to one more crazy thing to add to her it’s-a-crappy-life list. Yet, when the stranger’s predictions start to come true, she discovers a world that could shake up her humdrum existence.

Don't want to wait? No worries! Pick up a copy for your eReader at Amazon, B&N, or Kobo today.

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Quote of the Day

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

~ Andre Gide

THE SHADOW PRINCE Cover Reveal and Giveaway!

Today, I'm part of another exciting cover reveal - The Shadow Prince by Stacey O'Neale - and What a gorgeous cover it is!

This prequel novella will be FREE and available on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble on March 25, 2014!

Every sacrifice has consequences.

Sixteen-year-old Rowan has spent most of his life living among the mortals—learning to control the element of fire, impatiently awaiting the day his vengeful mother, Queen Prisma, will abdicate her throne. When he finally returns to Avalon for his coronation, his mother insists he must first prove his loyalty to the court by completing a secret mission:

Kill Kalin, the half-human, half-elemental daughter of the air court king.

Willing to do anything to remove his mother from power, he agrees to sacrifice the halfling. He returns to the mortal world with his best friend, Marcus, determined to kill the princess. But as he devises a plan, he starts to question whether or not he's capable of completing such a heinous task. And what price he will pay if he refuses?

Mortal Enchantment (Book 1)

ebook, 262 pages

Expected publication: May 20th 2014 by Phoenix Reign Publishing

≥GoodReads≤

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

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

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Quote of the Day

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success. 

~Sun Tzu

Contests and Giveaways in the Writing World - Week of February 10th

Yes, it's winter, it's cold and it's Monday...but don't despair! Here are some great contests and giveaways for you!

Celebrate Terry Lynn Johnson's Ice Dogs release and win your own Ice Dog - how cool is that?! Check out Susan Kaye Quinn's blog for the details and to answer!

Valentine's Day is getting close, and Skye Warren has organized a Valentine's Day Bloghop. Check it out for lots of prizes, including the grand prize.

And more Valentine's giveaways! Lilybloom Books is hosting a Love for Books Giveaway Hop with lots of various prizes along the hop. Check it out!

Sheila Roberts is talking about lessons she learned from her heroines on Long And Short Reviews and is giving away a $25 Visa gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment at all stops for more chances to win!

And, of course, below are the reminders of the on-going writing contests not to miss:

Writing Women's Fiction and looking for a writing contest? Check out Women's Fiction Writers Rising Star Contest. Open to all categories. Contest opens on May 1st, the deadline for entry is June 27th. Check out the details here.

Are you, or do you know someone, who has ever served in the Military? Check out the Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans. This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter. Open for submission on April 15th and the deadline is May 15th. 

Enter the 83rd Annual Writing Competition from Writer's Digest? Early Bird entry deadline is May 5th. Prizes include a chance to win $3,000 cash, get a one-on-one attention with four editors or agents and much more. And the winner will be announced on the cover of Writer's Digest!

*As always, please contact me for the inclusion of your contests/giveaways into the Monday Contests and Giveaways in the Writing World posts.

Have fun and good luck! 

Also, don't forget to become a follower of this blog to make sure you catch giveaways coming soon!

Friday Art & History Feature - Art and Quotes from the Little Prince

The cover of the Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

One of my favorite books that stayed with me through years is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, published in 1943. Although it is essentially a children's book, it is full of philosophical observations about life and human nature. In fact, it is so beloved, it is the most translated French book and is considered one of the best and most-read books of the 20th century.

The Little Prince, which is a story of a boy, the prince, who falls to earth from a small asteroid and travels the earth meeting different characters, including a pilot stranded in the desert (Exupéry was also a pilot) and a fox, was illustrated by Exupéry with watercolor drawings. Below are a few of these drawings, as well as the greatest quotes from the Little Prince. The book will always stay in my heart.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“People have forgotten this truth," the fox said. "But you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

“What makes the desert beautiful,' said the little prince, 'is that somewhere it hides a well...”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince 

And the little prince added, "But eyes are blind. You have to look with the heart.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

 

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

Have you read the Little Prince? Did you enjoy it? What other children's books stayed with you? 

Quote of the Day

Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.

  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Special Announcement - A Touch of Darkness eBook Is Now $2.99!

Tina and I have an exciting news for A TOUCH OF DARKNESS: the the price for the eBook was dropped to $2.99! If you've been waiting to grab your copy, here's the chance to get it at a bargain rate. Pick up a copy for your eReader at Amazon, B&N, or Kobo.

Cassie’s working for a tightwad boss at a pretentious NYC diner, dealing with paralyzing pain that doctors can’t diagnose, and trying to hide her hands that glow purple whenever she ...well, whenever. So, when a mysterious stranger walks out of her dreams and into her life to spout some nonsense about her being a mythical creature, she chalks it up to one more crazy thing to add to her it’s-a-crappy-life list. Yet, when the stranger’s predictions start to come true, she discovers a world that could shake up her humdrum existence.

Watch out for news on the upcoming giveaways and contests!

ALIENATED Launch & NOOK Giveaway!

Today, I am super excited to participate in the launch of Alienated by Melissa Landers!

Here's Melissa's launch announcement in her own words...

Hey, fiction lovers. I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut YA sci-fi romance, ALIENATED, is finally available from Disney-Hyperion! Cue the dancers and toss the confetti, because it’s been a long wait!

In a nutshell, ALIENATED is the story of valedictorian Cara Sweeney, who gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to host the nation’s first intergalactic exchange student, the gorgeous but emotionally-stilted Aelyx (pronounced A-licks) from planet L’eihr. The tone is light and humorous, but I explore some deeper themes as well.

Check out the trailer:


What do reviewers have to say?

“The storyline is out of this world and character development paired with authentic voice is superb. Filled with intrigue and suspense, this book will appeal to both sci-fi and contemporary YA fiction fans.” –VOYA

“Interstellar relations heat up in this start to a new romantic science fiction series. Landers [explores] larger social, ecological, and ethical issues in this tense, fast-paced read.” –Booklist

“The perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Smart, funny, and epic. I am now awaiting contact from planet L’eihr.” Julie Cross, bestselling author of Tempest.

“Intergalactic exchange students? Yes, please! I fell in love with this story and couldn’t put it down.” Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate.

If you like hot, swoony science fiction as much as I do, I hope you’ll give ALIENATED a try. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depo (free international shipping)
Indie Bound

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Nook Simple Touch. I’ll even throw in a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so you can fill your new e-reader with whatever you want!

Now for the fine print: This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Sorry, international friends, but you need a US billing address to buy digital content on the Nook.) Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!
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Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.”
For more information, or just to say hello,
visit www.melissa-landers.com.