Blog Tour ~ 'Ratgirl: Song of the Viper' by Gayle C. Krause.

RATGIRL: Song of the Viper by Gayle C. Krause 

Publication date: January, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

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SYNOPSIS

Sixteen-year-old streetwise orphan, Jax Stone is an expert at surviving in a dangerous city, where rats rival the homeless for food and shelter, but she’s an amateur at fighting the immoral mayor when he kidnaps her little brother. Desperation demands she quickly master the role of courageous opponent. She uses her hypnotic singing voice to lead rats to their death, and all the children to safety, in a dying city cursed by the deadly sun.

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Book Review ~ 'Ratgirl: Song of the Viper' by Gayle C. Krause.

My first forage into the dystopian world of storytelling was with ‘The Hunger Games’. Being so in love with that story, I’d been reluctant to revisit the dystopian genre for fear that I would be disappointed, but from the minute I started reading ‘Ratgirl’, I knew that I would love the story and would feel the flame return for dystopian storytelling.

‘Ratgirl’ was a brilliant depiction of future society. The author had cleverly combined a number of real-life issues and examined how these issues would have grown in the future. She created a brilliant setting of underground city dwellers who could only exit at night due to the dangerous heat and radiation given off by the Sun. The topic of rats was also a brilliant concoction as it shows a more fearful view of the future where humans are no longer top of the food chain and all powerful, but instead on the same level as rats with whom they have to compete with for food and survival.

My love for this book was further intensified by the arrival of some amazing characters whom I fell in love with and rooted for from the get go. Jax was a no-nonsense yet likeable role model, whose bravery and dedication to her younger brother was admirable and had me supporting her every step of her journey. Colt was also a lovely dishy hero who I drooled over from the start. His mission to protect the less fortunate had him adopting the future vision of Robin Hood, and makes a brilliant parallel to the past and present of today, and how today’s legends can still be known in the future.

My favourite character however was Alder. I absolutely adored his loveable nature and admired everything he did for those he loved. Although I loved Rafe, a sewer-dweller and bad boy with a heart of gold, and loved the sincerity of his love for Astoria and the protective nature he had for his friends, I really connected to Alder and Astoria’s story of forbidden love. At times I was laughing when Rage snubbed Alder only to receive no response because all of Alder’s attention and worry was fixed firmly on Astoria.

The storyline regarding the corrupt leader was brilliantly written, and to discover that his kryptonite of his flesh-and-blood children was so difficult for him to find for himself due to his own malicious actions of making women infertile and therefore unable to bear his child.

The action scenes were suspenseful and heart-pounding. I loved the Jax’s originality when it came to her plots and plans, but will these be enough to thwart or fool the evil dictator who holds both Jax’s life and all those she holds dear in his power. You’ll have to read to find out!

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Tour Wide Giveaway

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Gayle C. Krause

Gayle C. Krause is a member of SCBWI, YALITCHAT and The Cliffhouse YA Wonderwriters.She writes across the genres. Her first publication credit was a short story in Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul 2 (2006). The Storyteller’s Daughter, her YA historical short story, was featured in Timeless, A YA Historical Romance anthology from Pugalicious Press (2012).Her new YA novel, RATGIRL: Song of the Viper was published in February 2013 (Noble Young Adult).

During the course of her writing career Ms. Krause has served as assistant editor for Underneath the Juniper Tree, a dark fantasy online magazine developed for young teens, a children’s book reviewer for Children’s Literature .com and she offers a critique service for children’s writers at First Peek Critique. (www.gayleckrause.com)

She also runs a blog that encourages new children’s writers through contests, book reviews and author interviews. http://thestorytellersscroll.blogspot.com.

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Blog Tour ~ 'Draw Me In' by Megan Squires.

Draw Me In by Megan Squires 

Publication date: January 7th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

He’s a young, up and coming businessman with the keys to his family’s Italian wine enterprise.

I’m a fine arts student, navigating life in the Big Apple, my pencil and sketchpad in hand.

We meet. We fall in love.

But it’s not that story.

Sometimes, by a rare gift of fate, two lives cross paths. And hey, if that happens to occur when staring at Michelangelo’s naked masterpiece, even better. We can tell our future children how a seventeen-foot tall marble guy named David brought us together.

But there’s always more to a relationship than its beginning and ever after. In life, there’s a whole lot of backstory. There are ex-fiancés and hot roommates and family members whose advice continues, even beyond the grave.

When you say you love someone, it’s never just that one person you’re saying it to. And it’s never just that one moment that sets everything in motion.

There is always more that draws you in.

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There is always a few things that I take into account when I start rating and reviewing a story. These are that the story connects with me on an emotional as well as natural level, without the characters deemed to be too perfect or without flaws, and that the choices that the characters make, regardless of whether I agree with them, are made with as much thought as we would make them in our own lives. 'Draw me in' did all of these things and the author brought the story together with some great laughs, some gorgeous romantic scenes and a brilliant writing style which flowed so effortlessly from scene to scene, making the story easy to read and impossible to put down until I had finished it.

I absolutely adored this story and the deep issues that are entwined within the romantic element of the story. Leo and Julie's relationship was one that simply warmed the heart. I loved the differences between the two, and really connected to Julie as the story's heroine as she was so realistic and human in her ways. I liked how she learnt from Leo that being herself was all he wanted from her, and it was beautiful to see how Julie blossomed into her own being rather than one that she felt she had to put on to be what Leo wanted of her.

I also loved how Leo and Julie shared a great sense of humour and how although Julie's own humour style was very different to his, Leo didn't think any less of her instead only regarding her more fondly for her adorable ways. (Julie's drunk scenes were hilarious!)

I always enjoy seeing how authors use the arts to mimic the storylines the y are writing. Julie's art work was a brilliant way for me as a reader to get an insight into Julie's character. The whole moral of the story of the outer beauty of the roman statue David by michaelangelo, being nothing in comparison to the strength and utter owner of a man fighting for his life was brilliantly done and I applaud the author for the wonderful and original way she depicted this.

What I really admired about this story was the way that the issue of Cancer was delicately brought to the table, and it was a real reminder that even the youngest, fittest (and hottest) of men can be hiding a terrible illness. I was so distraught when Leo's journey with Cancer was revealed, and Julie having this realisation that every day in love is sacred was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The strength of Leo and Julie's love was a real inspiration to me. The way that author Megan Squires was able to show both sides of the battle of Cancer was I truly beautiful. She flawlessly creates a wonderful distinction and connection between those who suffer from cancer! telling the story not only of the victim, but also of the caretaker, and for me, this was the true beauty of this book that I took this message with me from reading this story, and I know I will carry it with me forever.

This was a beautiful, heartwarming and funny tale which was an absolute pleasure to read. 5 stars and a definite recommended read.

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Megan Squires

Megan Squires lives with her husband and two children just outside of Sacramento, California. A graduate from the University of California, Davis, Megan is now a full-time mother, wife, and dreamer—though her characters don’t often give her much opportunity to sleep.

Visit www.theoutlierchronicles.com to learn more about her latest young adult series.

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Book Review ~ 'To Catch a Falling Star' by L. Duarte.

'To Catch a Falling Star'

Crossing Stars #2

by L. Duarte

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult.

Release Date: TBA

SYNOPSIS

It’s been five years, but Melody still mourns the death of Tim, her soul mate and beloved husband who never had a chance to hold their daughter. Mel and her daughter have the love and support of Mel’s brother Will and sister-in-law Portia, the famous Oscar-winning actress-turned-mother. Mel works three jobs and mothers Ella, but she spends her mornings facing the demons of her grief. Her faith and her father, the pastor, helps Mel grapple with her grief.

Portia opens her home to her childhood friend Tarry Francis, a successful, womanizing rock star. He’s trying to beat his addictions. Again. He’s going through the motions, but needs his drugs and rowdy lifestyle to keep his childhood pain in check. Tarry’s privileged upbringing contrasted with his cruel parents, who starved him of affection. Who can fix that?

Mel is forced to counsel Tarry, but he’s so damaged and unwilling to try that she’s not sure anyone can help fix him. She gives him a special coin. Could this open their hearts to each other and fuel their love? Is this a step forward that will free them to catch the falling stars? Or will Mel remain faithful to her first love?

Rich in meaning, To Catch a Falling Star is about two lovers whose hearts struggle to open to find the magic of the journey of love. It’s a joyful and passionate story about overcoming challenges to lead us to love and the fulfillment of our dreams.

To Catch a Falling Star is the stunning follow-up novel to L. Duarte’s debut Chasing Stars about Portia and Will’s romance. A spiritual and playful read, L. Duarte has provided readers the chance to believe in healing a broken heart.

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I received an ARC of 'To Catch a Falling Star' in exchange for an honest review.

I always lament when I start an amazing book just before Christmas. With all the festivities, helping my parents prepare for the annual 'have the whole family over for boxing day' bash, having to remove my nose from a book long enough to have christmas dinner is a tough chore, especially when reading a book as wonderful, emotional and heartbreaking as 'To Catch a Falling Star'.

I absolutely adored the first book in this series 'Catching Stars' which told the story of Portia and Will, and I was so pleased that author L. Duarte was able to not only meet the brilliant level of 'Chasing Stars' but also to exceed it and literally have me travelling to the stars as I read this
beautiful story.

L. Duarte's beautiful writing style always has the ability to bring me to tears in the space of a second. Her gorgeous prose had me so connected to the story, and I found myself so invested in Tarry's personal development of overcoming his demons and his fight against addiction, as well as the beautiful relationship that he and Mel begin to develop when they are both at the lowest points of their lives.

What I really loved about 'Chasing Stars' was how not everybody got their happily ever after. I really liked how Tarry was still spiralling despite his best friends finding solace in their life. To be able to read Tarry's story from his own perspective, to see the struggle he had and the way his mind worked through the addiction that plagued him was a real priviledge. Tarry's internal dialogue was written to absolute perfection and I felt so connected to him as not just a character but as a real man who was struggling to find his true self. To see his connection with music and how he expressed his inner demons through singing and composing was great, and I loved how he shared this with Mel.

Mel was another great character who I really connected with. I've always been one of those people who is sceptical of second love. I've not experienced love for myself so I suppose the romantic in me always believes that you can't love another person after your first husband dies. Reading Mel's story completely widened my view on this. The story was tackled so beautifully and with such grace that I finally began to understand how Mel was finally able to think of Tim and their time together fondly rather than wallowing in his absence. I loved how we were given glimpses into Mel and Tim's past, it made him seem so real to me, and I mourned his loss with Mel and understood her fear of falling in love again. This was delicately approached and I can't say how much I loved this story and the pace of the development of Mel and Tarry's relationship.

With her beautiful storytelling and her creation of realistic and relatable characters, L. Duarte has become one of my favourite authors who I would read time and time again. 'To Catch a Falling Star' is on my list of favourite books for 2013, and I can't wait to see more of L. Duarte's work.

5 Stars and a definite recommended read. This book will have you travelling to the stars!

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Blog Tour and Review - 'Her Dear and Loving Husband' by Meredith Allard

Welcome to the blog tour for Her Dear and Loving Husband, a historical romance novel with a paranormal twist ...

Her Dear & Loving Husband (The Loving Husband Trilogy Book 1) – Meredith Allard

What they say:
‘James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties with anyone. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials,  and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter  desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Do vampires and witches live in Salem? Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Part historical fiction, part romance, part paranormal fantasy, Her Dear and Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.’

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My Review - 'Her Dear & Loving Husband (Loving Husband #1)' by Meredith Allard ~ 5 Stars!

‘Her Dear and Loving Husband’ was a stunning novel, and a heart-warming journey to read.

Infused with a beautiful and heart-warming love story, this book is a definite must for everyone who believes that true love never dies, even after the death of the body. ‘Her Dear and Loving Husband’ tells the beautiful spiritual tale of love after death and having a second chance with the one you love.

I loved the characters that I was introduced to throughout the novel, and I really felt connected to Sarah as she struggles to make a place for herself in Salem after the breakdown of her marriage, and sympathised with her desire to avoid making any romantic connections for the foreseeable future.

I can’t say how impressed I was with the cleverly written dreams that Sarah has. Meredith Allard presented a realistic, and scary image of the Salem Witch Trials, and these sequences were brilliantly contrasted with the writing style of the present day action. The voices and speech of the past was clearly well researched, and made the reading experience so much more believable, and making me feel as though I was actually there in that era. Brilliantly done!

I loved the elements of fantasy that were introduced throughout the novel, which although made up a large part of the story, what with our discovery of James’ true form, and Jennifer and Olivia’s true powers, didn’t seem forced or unrealistic. Not once when reading this book did I think that the fantasy elements were taken too far, and I really admire the author for being able to balance the fantasy and contemporary storylines so well.

The spiritual past life elements were spoken of in a way that made the idea of past lives seem not only possible, but probable. I think this story will resonate greatly with pagans, like myself, those who are interested in the worlds other, unseen elements, and those who believe that there is more to life than what we are told.

I adored James as a character, and greatly admired the devotion he had for his long dead wife, and how he made it his mission to prove to Sarah that he loved her for herself and not because of the possible connection between her and his wife. The scenes that were written after the death of James’ wife were heartbreaking and poignant, and shows the struggle that people who are left behind after the death of their loved ones must face. I cried when I read some of the simple yet overpowering lines.

“I miss my Lizzie.”

This story was cleverly crafted and in some ways I’d describe it as a suspense or thriller. There was a real focus on the issues that have been brought to the world’s attention since the days of the Witch Trials, and Meredith Allard showed a heartbreaking reality where we see the true dangers of stigmatism and prejudice. One worry or fear of something that can’t be seen or explained, can easily turn communities against each other, eradicate whole towns, and kill innocent men, women and children in the crossfire. It was a powerful message that gave me chills.

The pace of the novel was perfectly set, making the story a fluid and believable journey to read. It was a fantastic and beautifully written story, with an incredible amount of feeling put into every word.

5 Stars and a definite recommended read!

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***GIVEAWAYS***

Win a copy of The Salem Witch Trials: A Day by Day Chronicles of a Community Under Siege by Marilynne K. Roach. This is a factual book Meredith used to research the Salem Witch Trials:

What they say:
‘Based on over twenty years of original archival research, this history unfolds a nearly day-by-day narrative of the Salem Witch Trials as the citizens of Salem experienced the outbreak of hysteria.’

Entry via Rafflecopter. Giveaway open to US residents only and closes on August 27th.

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Win a dinner for 2 at Salem’s very own Adriatic Restaurant & Bar! Enter our giveaway and you could be the lucky winner of a sumptuous meal for 2 at Mediterranean eatery Adriactic Restaurant & Bar. Set within a warm interior, you’ll not only be treated to excellent, fresh cuisine but you’ll also find yourself in the heart of Her Dear & Loving Husband’s setting. Entry via Rafflecopter. Giveaway is for food only. Airfare is not included. Closes on August 27th.

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Win 1 of 5 e-copies of Her Dear & Loving Husband by Meredith Allard

Entry via Rafflecopter. Closes on August 27th.

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Author Bio – Meredith Allard:



Since 2000, Meredith Allard has been the Executive Editor of The Copperfield Review, an award-winning literary journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from California State University, Northridge, and she has taught creative writing and writing historical fiction seminars at Learning Tree University, UNLV, and the Las Vegas Writers Conference.

Her short fiction and articles have appeared in journals such as The Paumanok Review, Moondance, Wild Mind, Muse Apprentice Guild, Writers Weekly, CarbLite, and ViewsHound. She is the author of the Amazon Best-Selling Loving Husband Trilogy, as well as the historical novels Victory Garden, Woman of Stones, and My Brother’s Battle.

Victory Garden and Woman of Stones have also been Amazon Best-Sellers in the Historical Fiction and Religious Fiction categories.

Find out more about The Loving Husband Trilogy:

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Book Review ~ 'The Selkie Spell (Seal Island Trilogy #1)' by Sophie Moss.

Book Review - 'The Selkie Spell (Seal Island Trilogy #1)' by Sophie Moss ~ 5 Stars!

Well wow! What an AMAZING book! Why did I wait so long to read this?

I absolutely adored Sophie Moss' fluid and stunning writing style with beautifully detailed prose that linked the story together. It gave an incredible sence of place, and just her wonderful descriptions had me feeling wet sand beneath my feet and the cold foamy ocean lapping over my chilled toes. Stunning, just stunning!

The storyline was so cleverly put together with their being a perfect balance between the fantasy elements and the contemporary romance and suspense that formed the story. The care and delicacy with which Sophie Moss wrote of Tara's marital abuse whilst also painting a harsh, terrifying and realistic view of this issue was done without fault, and perfectly balanced with the strength that Tara had to find within herself and the connection her story had with that of the Island's Selkie.

Her relationship with Dominick was paced perfectly, and I loved the turbulent start they had when he was distrustful of her and protective of further harm to his family and friends. His continued scepticism of her intentions was great fun to read, as I loved witnessing his harsh mask occasionally falling away as he noticed her vulnerability, and he felt himself fighting between his head and heart.

I loved the balance of the story, with lots of gorgeous descriptions of the Island, the people that Tara slowly begins to trust and befriend, and the everyday life on the small Island, as well as the development of the intriguing Selkie storyline and how Tara fits into the legend. I adored how both Tara and the Selkie's freedom were closely tied to each other, and the final chapters in which the group of main characters desperately struggle to rescue Tara from her abusive husband and free the Selkie was intense and had me gripped and on the edge of my seat.

I loved all of the characters that we were introduced to on the Island and am excited to see the relationships that are formed between them. I'm especially eager to see Sam again, as I was so intrigued by his character and he provided some great lines, impulsive actions and a hope for further romance with the brilliant Glenna.

A stunning debut novel from Sophie Moss. 5 Stars and a definite recommended read!

'The Selkie Spell' is the first book in the 'Seal Island Trilogy' and is available to buy on Kindle and in Paperback.

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Book Review - 'Of Water and Madness (Dryad Quartet #4)' by Katie Jennings.

Book Review - 'Of Water and Madness (Dryad Quartet #4)' by Katie Jennings ~ 6 Stars!

Here I am again, struggling to express just how much I loved this book, this series, and all the characters that have been shaped so wonderfully.

As I returned to the world of Euphora for its last story, I felt both emotional and desperately sad. Emotional for having witnessed the amazing journeys these characters have gone through, and sad that their stories were drawing to a close.

‘Of Water and Madness’ tells Liam’s story as a Water Dryad. Since reading Rhiannon’s story in ‘A Life Earthbound’ I’ve been eagerly awaiting reading Liam’s point of view on their relationship.

Liam’s story is both as witty and clever as I’d expected. His desire to have fun and be a good, hard working Dryad is commendable and I loved the influence his ‘happy go lucky’ personality had on Rhiannon, as we see her further blossoming though Liam’s love and devotion.

The way all of the Dryad’s were now closer, especially Blythe and Rhiannon, despite their still sceptical attitudes towards each other was heart-warming, as I’ve been hoping for a reunion between the dryads without past grievances and issues getting in their way. Blythe looking out for Rhiannon during Capri’s wedding and calling her ‘honey’ had me tearful and so happy despite the reason that Blythe’s comfort was necessary.

Liam’s story in this book broke my heart. To see him become nothing more than a puppet through dark magic, yet still fighting in his mind for Rhiannon was beautifully written. I was so connected to Rhiannon’s character that I felt her pain as my own and felt angry at Thea for not taking Liam’s out of character behaviour more seriously.

It is a credit to Katie Jennings as a writer that she can make me feel so many emotions all at once, something that I haven’t experienced since reading each Harry Potter book for the first time.

The conclusion to this story was brilliantly written as the awaited battle finally arrives, and despite the formation of cliques among the inhabitants of Euphora, and the bitter rivalries that have been forged, all of the characters fight as one for each other and for their home. It was brilliant to see characters who hated each other take arms and fight together.

Without giving too much away, I especially loved reading further about Capri and Rian, whose relationship is so beautiful and devoted that I now hold out hope for my own Rian.

All I can say now is how grateful I am to the author for taking me on such an incredibly beautiful, emotional and fantastical journey which I know will be a part of me forever. 'Of Water and Madness' was such a beautiful conclusion to the Dryad Quartet and reading Liam's story was just as brilliant as I hoped it would be!

6 Stars and if you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for? Links below!

'Of Water and Madness' is the Book Four in the 'Dryad Quartet' and is available on Kindle and in Paperback

'The Dryad Quartet Special Edition' is a compilation edition where you can get all four books (Breath of Air, Firefight in Darkness, A Life Earthbound, and Of Water and Madness) in one book. This edition also includes beautiful illustrations and a brand new epilogue scene! The Special Edition compilation is available on Kindle and in Paperback.

~ See My Reviews for; ~

~ Breath of Air (Dryad Quartet #1)  ~

~ Firefight in Darkness (Dryad Quartet #2) ~

~ A Life Earthbound (Dryad Quartet #3) ~

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