Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Release Week Blast/Sneek Peek: Very Twisted Things By: Ilsa Madden-Mills


 
Sneak Peek: Prologue + Chapter 1

Very Twisted Things
A Standalone Briarcrest Academy Novel #3
by New York Times best selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills
Release Date: March 1, 2015
This is a standalone New Adult novel with graphic sex and language.
Introductory price of $2.99 on release day for 24 hours only!

  A sassy violinist who lives next door. An obsessed rock star who watches her through binoculars. And one night when she bares it all. Life will never be the same in Tinseltown. Description:   Vital Rejects front guy Sebastian Tate never imagined his YouTube music video would go viral, sky-rocketing him to acting success in Hollywood. Okay, maybe he did. After all, he’s a cocky dude who knows he’s hot-as-hell, and it was only a matter of time before his stars aligned.   But life in Tinseltown is never what it seems.   After being cheated on, his only rule to falling in love is simple: Keep Calm and Don’t Do It. Spying on his mysterious new neighbor with binoculars seems innocent enough, but quickly escalates into an erotic game between two very unlikely people.   Twenty-year-old Violet St. Lyons is a world-renowned violinist who's lost her mojo on stage. She hides away in a Hollywood mansion, trying to find her way through her twisted past in order to make her future.   He’s the life of the party with girls chasing him down for his autograph. She’s the introvert with a potty mouth who doesn’t even know who he is.   When they meet, stars collide, sparks fly, and clothes come off. Yet, giving his heart to a girl isn’t Sebastian’s plan; falling for a guy who craves attention isn’t Violet’s.   Welcome to Briarcrest Academy—Hollywood style—where sometimes the best things in life are VERY TWISTED THINGS.



Prologue

Violet

  “Fairy dust is not real. This I know.” —from the journal of Violet St. Lyons   Boom! I, Violet St. Lyons, who once believed herself the luckiest girl in the world, was born on the same day that the Violette–Sells comet was discovered. My parents, two avid stargazers, said it was a sign of how special I was and promptly named me Violet. They claimed my life had been blessed with fairy dust. At the very least, comet residue. I’d foolishly believed it for eighteen years, until the moment of my death. Which was now. Boom! Another explosion rocked the plane and metal ripped away as a section of the aircraft to my right vanished. Luggage flew through the air. People disappeared. The mom with the baby who’d sat in the aisle across from us—gone. The redheaded flight attendant who’d been collecting trash—gone. Disembodied screams echoed from the surrounding passengers as my own scream took up most of the space in my head. Air sucked at us viciously from the outside as a tornado of people banged around the space and one by one got pulled out into the swirling abyss. I watched, helplessly transfixed, as I sat between my parents, gripping each of their hands as the plane we’d boarded six hours earlier for Dublin spiraled toward the Atlantic Ocean. I was going to die. My mother was already dead, a twisted piece of shrapnel sticking grotesquely from her chest as her head lolled around her neck. Blood had already soaked her shirt, yet I refused to let go of her hand. She’d be okay. We were always okay. We were the St. Lyons family of Manhattan, an icon of old money wealth with deep political ties. Page six of the New York Times featured pictures of us on a monthly basis. We couldn’t die on a plane. Reality dawned as we plummeted. The yellow breathing apparatus dropped and dangled in my face, taunting me with its pointlessness. Fire and black smoke boiled in front of us where the cockpit had been, and my mind recognized that the pilots had to be dead. Just a few minutes ago, they’d come over the intercom and announced that the plane was making its descent into Dublin Airport exactly on schedule. Then the first explosion had gone off. Bits of debris flew around, narrowly missing me. My elderly father grabbed my hand and squeezed, his face drawn back in a horrible grimace. Fear and then horror flickered across his face as he saw Mother, but there was no time to comfort him. Paralyzed in my seat, we spun like a drunken top, and a part of my brain noticed the sun was rising, its pink tinge lending a soft glow, catching the reflection of clouds and making them silver-lined. The rocky coast of Ireland glittered in the distance. Mocking me. We’d been headed there to celebrate my eighteenth birthday. Just then my violin case flew past my head from the overhead compartment and crashed against the wall of the plane. Shards flew. I shuddered and wanted to vomit. God, help us. We were here because of me. Our deaths were my fault. I spared a glance at the diamond promise ring Geoff had given me before we’d left. Would the Mayor of New York’s son go on without me? The air was turbulent yet thin, and my chest tightened as dizziness pulled at me. I resisted. Had to stay awake. Had to be with my dad. I was younger, stronger, faster. My eyes went to the gaping hole in the plane. Had to think ahead. Plan. Water would fill up the plane on impact, ensuring we’d sink rapidly. My fear escalated as the ocean rushed at us, its surface choppy and ominous. I took in a giant breath and braced myself. We hit at an angle, the plane a torpedo as it sliced into the sea. Daddy disappeared, ejected by the impact, and I yanked on my seat belt, unclicking it to go after him. Heart thundering, I sent a final look at my mother. I wanted to take her with me, but she was gone. Water everywhere, bubbling and gurgling as it filled up the plane. Salt water stung my eyes. People floated by, some alive as they floundered for the opening. I kept my gaze off the dead ones. Focus. Get out. Only seconds left. I swam from my seat and fought my way out of the large hole in the plane, lungs exploding. Burning. I’d been under too long. Daddy! I caught a glimpse of his red shirt above me and kicked harder. Up, up, up. Must get up. My arms moved. My legs kicked. Excruciating pain. Ignore it. Almost there. So close that I could see the daylight breaking through the water. The hottest fire I’ve ever known lit in my chest. Scorching. Air. Just want to breathe. Just get to the top. Please. My body rebelled and I inhaled and swallowed water, the burn racing down my throat making it spasm as I tried to cough it out. I struggled but took in more and more, the cold liquid filling my lungs. Dark spots filled my eyes. This was drowning. Exhausted. Done. My body twitched. I grew disoriented. I let go of the fight. My hands floated in front of me. Oblivion. Darkness. No bright lights, no tunnel. No heaven, no mother, no father. No comets. No fairy dust.    

Chapter 1

Sebastian

Two years later   “She was music with skin.” —Sebastian Tate   I tapped my foot. What was taking her so long? From my backyard patio in the Hollywood Hills, I watched the odd girl next door with a pair of high-powered binoculars. She flicked on her porch lights, and a low whistle came out of me at the sexy red-as-sin robe she wore, its silky material flashing around her long legs as she moved around her patio. Her hair was down, too. This was new. Where were the usual yoga pants? The ponytail? She looked like she knew someone watched, but that was impossible since our outside lights were off. Even the light from the moon hit our house at such an angle that she shouldn’t be able to see us just by glancing over. She’d need a high-powered lens to know I was here. Usually she played facing her rose garden, but this time she walked to the right side of her patio, which faced us. Weird. But she didn’t play. She just stood there without moving. Staring toward our house. Uneasiness went over me. What was she doing? Could she see me? As if it were a fragile bird, she positioned the violin under her chin and began playing, arms bent and wrist poised, making the most exquisite sounds. And I don’t mean classical like Beethoven or Mozart; I mean body-thrashing, blood-thumping, hard-as-hell music that had me rooted to the ground, like she’d slapped iron chains on me. Dark and seductive notes rose up in the air, and I got jacked up, recognizing a Led Zeppelin song, only she’d ripped its guts out and twisted it into something electric. She pushed the bow hard, upping the tempo abruptly, her movements controlled yet wild. My pulse kicked up and my eyes lingered, taking in the slightly parted toned legs and the way her breasts bounced as she jerked her arms to manipulate the strings. Her body arched forward in a curve, seeming as if she might break into a million pieces before she finished the piece or climaxed first. Then, her robe slipped off her right shoulder, exposing part of her breast. Creamy and full, it quivered, vibrating as she moved her arms. Her rosy nipple teased me, slipping in and out of the folds of the material, erect from the cool mountain air and deliciously bitable. I pictured my mouth there, sucking, my fingers plucking, strumming her like my guitar until she begged me to— Stop, I told myself just as an appreciative groan came out. Whoever Violin Girl was, she didn’t deserve me lusting after her while she was pouring her heart out with music. I zoomed in as far as the binoculars would go, watching her surrender to the music as she bent and swayed from side to side with her eyes closed, black lashes like fans on her cheeks. Every molecule in my body focused on her, hanging on to each note she pulled from her instrument. She finished and kept her head bowed for the longest time, perhaps letting the emotion wash over her like it had me. Then, she bowed to the banana trees and gnomes in her garden, waving her hands in a flourish as she rose. The entire event was surreal, yet poignant as fucking poetry. I let out a deep breath I didn’t even realize I’d been holding. Who the hell plays Stairway to Heaven with a violin? She did. Bam! She snapped her head up, her eyes lasering in on mine, making every hair on my body stand at attention. And then … Standing there in the moonlight, she untied her robe and spread apart the sides ever so slightly, her movements seeming almost hesitant, as if she’d had to work herself up. Unfamiliar jealousy hit me and I panned out and checked the rest of the patio, expecting to see a lover. Whoever it was, I wanted to rip him apart piece by piece. And didn’t that thought surprise me. My gaze searched her patio, the backyard, her upstairs balcony. Nothing. No one. She flicked her dark hair back and stroked the lapels of the robe, her fingers lingering over the lacy material. Suddenly the evening smacked of something more than just music. Her arms moved back and forth across the front, opening the robe halfway and then closing it as if she couldn’t make up her mind. My eyes went up, trying to read her face. Still as a statue, the only movement was her mouth as it trembled, her full upper lip resting against the pouty lower one. Tears ran down her face, but they seemed more of a defiant act, her jaw tightly set, her shoulders hunched inward as if she’d held it in too long and was giving in, but not without a fight. Violin Girl was trapped in a cage of darkness. It still didn’t stop me from holding my breath, silently begging her to bare herself to me. She’d already laid bare her music. Part of me needed the rest of her. She jerked the robe closed, making me groan in disappointment. And then she did something completely crazy. The lonely girl next door flipped me the bird. © Ilsa Madden-Mills 2015 Very Twisted Things  




 Author Bio:
 New York Times and USA Today best selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.   She spends her days with two small kids, one neurotic cat, and one husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels.   When she's not crafting a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.   She loves to hear from readers and fellow authors.

 


  BUY HER BOOKS HERE: http://amzn.to/1qNbF3y   Social Media   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorilsamaddenmills   Twitter: @ilsamaddenmills Instagram: http://instagram.com/ilsamaddenmills/   Website: http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com/   Instagram: http://instagram.com/ilsamaddenmills/   


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Monday, February 23, 2015

Frostfire By: Amanda Hocking

Synopsis:
Hidden deep in the heart of a snow-covered wilderness lies the secret kingdom of the Kanin—a magical realm as beautiful as it is treacherous…Bryn Aven has never fit into Kanin society. Her blond hair and blue eyes set her apart as an outsider—a half-blood unable to hold a respectable rank. But she’s determined to prove herself as a loyal protector of the kingdom she loves. Her dream is to become a member of the King’s elite guard, and she’s not going to let anything stand in her way…not even her growing feelings for her boss, Ridley Dresden. A relationship between them is strictly forbidden, but Bryn can’t fight her attraction to him. And she’s beginning to think he feels it too. Meanwhile, there’s an attack on the kingdom—one that will test Bryn’s strength like never before. Finally, she has the chance to confront Konstantin Black, the traitor who tried to kill her father years ago. It’s up to Bryn to put a stop to him before he strikes again. But is she willing to risk everything to protect a kingdom that doesn't accept her for who she really is? And when her mission brings her closer to Ridley, will she be able to deny her heart? (From B&N)




Ok I just want to start by saying thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me this book to review. You guy's are amazing, and I'm really grateful for getting the opportunity. I loved this book so much.

So in case you didn't know this series is a spin off of Amanda's Trylle series. Which I loved. But to tell you the truth I think I might actually like this new one even better. I love Bryn's story and find her fun and one strong chick. She is so different from Wendy in the Trylle series and I liked how independent she was.


When Amanda Hocking introduced us to the world of Trylle I thought it was new and exciting. But as we delve further into it in this book I fell more in love. Seeing the world of the Kanin gives us a much better look into her crazy magical world, and allows us to see things from a different perspective. Instead of being introduced to the world from an outsiders prospective like we had during Trylle, we got to see what this incredible place looked like from someone born into it. To me it was interesting to see it this way. And see how the different tribes histories were all intertwined and fit together better.



As I said before I love Bryn. She is spunky and smart and so independent. She had to work her way to where she is and I respect reading about a character that proves just how amazing she is. Don't get me wrong now, I love me a good story where the hot guy comes in and saves the day. But it's nice to see a strong leading lady now and then. 
I actually really liked how different Bryn was from the other Kanin too. While it presented a problem to her, I liked how it made her unique and stand out. Plus it makes her stand out to Ridley *wages eyebrows. 



Speaking of the sexy Rektor ;)
I absolutely loved him. Oh Ridley!!!
He is incredibly caring and passionate about his work. While he might be to old to be out in the field as a tracker, he has taken the position as their leader. He makes sure everyone is ok, especially Bryn. The hotness that is the man with his persistent five o'clock shadow and unruly hair that has grown out adds so much more to this story. While he is the growing romantic interest of Bryn, he also serves to show just how hard she is working to gain a spot on the royal guard and to help support her through her struggles with the evil Konstantin Black (Well the presumed evil Konstantin Black *Que suspenseful music *DUN DUN DUN)



Hocking also did an incredible job of creating a great supporting cast. I loved Bryn's friends. They have a way of seeing deeper into her, and making her realize things she would rather try to pretend aren't happening. They also make her realize that she cannot do everything on her own. Ember in particular is my favorite. And who doesn't love a crazy Trylle who doesn't exactly fit the mold like everyone else? Any who her supporting characters are the best and I adore them all, even Bryn's parents are interesting and add a lot to the story.



Overall this book was great. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one Ice Kissed that comes out in a month or so. 

I give Frostfire


Links:

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Cover Reveal/Early Release Announcement: The Repulsive Saint (Sinner Series #2) By: Emily R. Zajac


I am so excited to share the cover of Emily Zajac's new book The Repulsive Saint with you. 
Being her PA I had the opportunity to read it early and let me just tell you it is intense, crazy, and absolutely amazing.
Ya'll will love it :)

Thank you for joining us for the cover reveal of Emily R. Zajac's new book The Repulsive Saint. Book two in the sinner series. We are so excited to share this cover with you and hope that everyone loves it.

The Repulsive Saint releases February 20, 2015



*****
And as a special announcement Emily has decided to release the book early and it is available today so be sure to hop on over and grab your copy today :)
*****


Synopsis:
Alyssa Dawn had seen tragedy. Cameron was gone, leaving her feeling more alone than ever before. But that wasn’t her biggest problem. She had Faith, a newborn baby girl, whom she’d do anything to protect. Alyssa works part time, raises her little girl, and refuses to let anything or anyone near her broken heart again. But that is harder said than done when your past doesn't want to let you go.

Cameron Drake walked away, leaving the woman he loved to help the one person who had been his only family. It was simple. He needed to find him, convince him to turn himself over, and go back. But things aren’t simple, and now he’s stuck being doing what’s right for his heart and what’s right in general. But when a deal goes south, Cameron is left doing the only thing he can. Becoming the person he tried so hard to run away from. And hope that the darkness doesn't hold him hostage. Forever.

Kaden Gage knew he failed everyone, including his brother Ashton, he had never thought different though. But running is the only option he’s left with, that is until his best friend shows up to convince him differently. Kaden knows that turning himself over is the last thing he wants to do, but he can’t help feel that maybe Cameron is right. But when Faith, his first born, ends up in the hospital, Kaden decides it might be the last and first time he gets to see her. Things don’t always go your way though. Before he reaches her, his dark past catches them. Leaving him in a burning car, and Cameron……gone.
Three lives, so very different, but all connected, must learn to work together.
Before it’s too late. 



Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klLwwF-7K4




Link to Book 1:

About The Author:
Emily R. Zajac is the bestselling author of The Beautiful Sinner. She lives in Mountain View, Arkansas with her husband and son. When not writing, Emily loves spending time with her family and reading. She's a fan of many types of books. You can find Emily at Facebook.com via Author Emily R. Zajac or you may email her at emilyzajac21@hotmail.com. She always enjoys hearing for her readers.