Spring into Books

Welcome to the Spring into Books Hop hosted by eReading on the Cheap and Beck Valley Books. The hop lasts from March 20 - March 31st at 11:59 PM EST. Each blog participating has at least a $10 book related Prize.

Nothing says spring like books. Actually books are perfect all year long.

So in honor of the wonderful weather and my newest release in one week, I am giving away the first book in several of my favorite series.

Storm Front, Book One Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Blurb- Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.

There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

Halfway to the Grave, Book One of Night of the Huntress by Jeaniene Frost

Blurb- Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Mr. Darcy's Daughters- Elizabeth Aston

Blurb- Picking up twenty years after Pride and Prejudice left off, Mr. Darcy's Daughters begins in the year 1818. Elizabeth and Darcy have gone to Constantinople, giving us an opportunity to get to know their five daughters, who have left the sheltered surroundings of Pemberley for a few months in London. While the eldest, Letitia, frets and the youngest, Alethea, practices her music, twins Georgina and Belle flirt and frolic their way through parties and balls and Camilla -- levelheaded and independent -- discovers what joys and sorrows the city has to offer an intelligent young woman. Readers will delight in the return of such beloved Austen creations as Elizabeth's old nemesis Caroline Bingley (now Lady Warren), the ever-reliable Gardiners and wayward Aunt Lydia.

Charming, beautifully written and full of societal intrigue and romantic high jinks, Mr. Darcy's Daughters is a tale that would please Austen herself.

Red Dragon, Book One Hannibal Lecter series by Thomas Harris

Blurb- A second family has been massacred by the terrifying serial killer the press has christened ?The Tooth Fairy.? Special Agent Jack Crawford turns to the one man who can help restart a failed investigation?Will Graham. Graham is the greatest profiler the FBI ever had, but the physical and mental scars of capturing Hannibal Lecter have caused Graham to go into early retirement. Now, Graham must turn to Lecter for help.

And finally the first book in my series, The Guardian Trilogy, Secrets.

Blurb- While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you. 

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Make sure you check out the other awesome giveaways!

Dark Corners, mystery, #FREE on #Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Corners-ebook/dp/B00550V8CY/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1330487863&sr=8-3-spell

Free today and tomorrow only!

Ella Reynolds knew from the first moment she walked into the old house someone or something was watching her. Waiting. Her husband's violent murder sent her spiraling into a world of grief and isolation, but Ella isn't alone. Who or what is responsible for her husband's death is still with her. Darkness has engulfed the past year of Ella's life. Everyday reality slips a little more between her fingers as she struggles to break free from her memories. She must look deeper into her past as well as the present to discover truth of her husband's homicide. A string of uncanny events takes place and practical explanations run thin as Ella follows the terrifying road to closure. As the past and present come to a head, Ella must decipher who or what the murderer is before it takes her as well.

What people are saying about Dark Corners-

- I pride myself in being able to pick apart a plot and figure out the twists before they happen. I can no longer claim that to be true. Liz's writing pulled me in hook line and sinker. I was quickly immersed in to this world right along with the characters and followed every mesmerizing word and went right down the path Liz lead me. There were so many times I thought I had it all figured out, only to be shocked when I was wrong. This is hands down one of the best suspense thrillers I've read in a very long time. It kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat. If you haven't read this book yet, you're missing out.

-I could not put this book down, even though I was terrified the whole time I read it! I had chills reading this book and I swear I suspected everyone but the right person. Liz did a great job keeping the intensity going in this book and the descriptions maybe me feel like I was on the crazy train with Ella!

- I could not put this book down. It was suspenseful, interesting and sometimes just creepy. I had to stop myself from jumping to the end of the book to know what happens. Everyone is a suspect, which makes it even more intense as you read through the book. You second guess everybody and everything. The story keeps you on your toes as it winds through the story about Ella and all the crazy things happening to her as she tries to uncover the mystery of her husband's death. I love when a book ends and you feel completely satisfied with the conclusion and the characters linger with you well after you have finished the story. This is exactly how it was with Dark Corners. Highly recommend!

Get it now!

Leap Year

A day that only comes once every 4 years, February 29th, is bound to bring about some strange traditions. It was added to adjust for seasonal shifts, but we have made so much more out of it.

According to Irish legend (there is even a movie made about it) women are allowed to propose to men on February 29th.

Sometimes it is called “Bachelor’s Day,” and men are expected to accept the proposal or pay a penalty, such as a sum of money.

In European upper classes men who refused a woman’s proposal were expected to buy 12 pairs of gloves. In this way the woman could wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.





I don't know why all of these have to do with marriage, but there you have it. Leap year is a holiday for the singles. Take that Valentine's day! *karate chop*

Cupid Painted Blind Blog Heist

Bat Country? Pssh it’s Cat Country today.
Liz is handcuffed to the chair, because somebody has control issues, and I’m taking over!
That’s right, bounty hunter extraordinaire and the only Sekhmet you are likely to ever meet—Femi at your service.

Because Liz was gracious enough to introduce me to my new best friend, Olivia (now that chick’s got a messed up life), I shared with her some of my hunting tales. In return she stabs me in the back and writes one of the damn things down—typical human.

So I’m here to set the record straight. Sweet Little Lies (good title by the way, Liz) isn’t just a story about hot guys and vampires. No, this story is about missing children. You can’t lose sight of that, no matter how many times they try to beguile you. Tricky devils.

You see, I was minding my own business and flirting with Sy.

I mean look at him! What girl in her right mind wouldn’t flirt with him?

Then Thomas walked in.

Perhaps not as hot Sy, but there is just something about him.

While talking to Thomas this big oaf, Tobias, tries to start a fight and pisses me off.

So I took his bounty to find a vampire named Ambrose and sort of kicked a hornet’s nest.

What can I say, Sehkmet are curious.

If you want to read the whole story and several other pretty hot stories with delicious men you probably should pick up this anthology. I mean there are green berets, the Angel of Death, more vampires, a siren, and Langston! You won’t regret it.

Femi

P.S. If you want to hear from some of the other characters, check out the links below. We organized a coup.

Smashwords   *   Amazon   *    Barnes and Noble

Autumn's Call by Lisa Rayns - Author of The Curse of the Egyptian Goddess
When Autumn realizes death is chasing her, she runs only to be stalled by an unresolved ghost. Is he there to help her? Or does he want retribution for his murder? 

Tell a Soul by Olivia Hardin - Author of Witch Way Bends
He’s the dependable one. The strong and steadfast one. Still, there’s one woman who has always turned his firm resolve on end. Langston is surprised beyond belief to find Kristana again, and this time without a husband. Has fate finally given them the chance to be together? Kristana can’t escape her intense attraction for the strange giant Langston, but the murmuring voices in her head are threatening to drive her mad. Can she find a way to trade one torment for another and thereby find true love?

The Siren Sarina by C.G. Powell - Author of Spell Checked
Being a siren is not all that it is cracked up to be, especially when you play with the gods. Sarina, like all good sirens, has a penance for sex and not with just anyone. This time her prey is Ares the god of war and lover to Aphrodite. Not that Sarina minds stepping on the goddess of loves toes, but when Ares gifts her with the powers of a god, Zeus can’t help but to intervene.

Fool Moon by Cait Lavender - Author of Cowboy Moon
All Jack saw when he looked at Carlie was perfection until she ripped out a man's throat. Confused by the pull she had on his heart, he is left with the choice to chase after the love of his life or to be left howling at the Fool Moon.

When Opportunity Haunts by Stephanie Nelson - Author of The Gwen Sparks Series
With an eternity as the Angel of Death before him, not much could get under Dorian Hade's skin--that was until he met Gwen Sparks. She shuts down all of his advances and insists they are just friends. Dorian takes matters into his own hands and tricks Gwen into a romantic weekend away from her ex-boyfriend at a haunted bed and breakfast.

Awaken Book Tour

 

  Awaken (The Patronus)

;Awaken (The Patronus) Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life.
Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose.
Further complicating her confusing life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued.
Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life.

Buy it - Kindle, Paperback, Nook, and Smashwords



Author Sarah M Ross is working with Promotional Book Tours to bring you an incredible Prize pack. She is offering up



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Choices Book 2 Guardian Trilogy Teaser

"So we're lost? Great! What kind of operation is this?"

"Guardians are never lost." Quintus flashed me his ridiculously deep dimples, but I felt no appreciation for them. There was only one smile I wanted to see—

Needing to keep moving, I trudged through the woods in the direction I was facing. I heard Quintus walking behind me. How could he come to get me without a better plan than this? How did I get stuck with the person who’d abandoned me to a demon? My afterlife sucked.

March

Movies as Chilling as the Weather Outside

Winter isn’t over yet no matter how much wishing and hoping I have been doing (let me assure you I have done my fair share). I don’t like snow, cold weather, or wearing coats. When the weather is cold and gloomy I prefer not to leave my house. All I want to do is bundle up in comfy clothes by the fire and watch movies.

So in honor of the frightful weather outside and the delightful fire inside, I bring you my:

 Top Five Bone Chilling Cinema

1.       The Shining. Every time it snows and there is the threat of cabin fever, this movie comes to mind. No other movie in the history of every horror movie I have seen has stuck with me like this movie. To this day I am still scared of Jack Nicholson (honestly, who isn’t?), I find long hallways in hotels creepy (and hope for no twins), avoid children who talk with their finger in a low voice (crazy little creepers), and am suspicious of all bartenders only I can see (though I appreciate the conversation). 

2.       The Thing. I am not really an alien fan, but this has elements of the truly creepy (poor dogs). What can you do when there is literally no way out and someone near you is the killer? It plays on similar themes as the Shining—being trapped and not being able to trust those closest to you—and uses them to terrorize you (just the way I like it). 

3.       Whiteout. This is a bit more actiony with an ax murder twist and a snow storm looming in the forecast. Good cast, somewhat predictable plot, but plenty of eye candy (Gabriel Macht and Alex O’Laughlin). If you aren’t looking for the next Silence of the Lambs, it is enjoyable. 

4.       30 Days of Night. This movie features one of my favorite things, vampires who actually kill people. What can I say, when it comes to these fanged fellows I am a purest. Again, not the best movie I have ever seen, but it has some worthy jumps and an interesting story. 

5.       Dreamcatcher. Another Stephen King movie with an excellent cast. I will say I really, really liked this movie for the first hour or so. Then it goes weird and loses a lot of the creepiness (a problem I have with a lot of horror movies. Strong starts and weak finishes). But the first hour is worth watching it.

What is your favorite winter movie to curl up with?