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Scotland, United Kingdom
Hi! My name is Kendall, I'm 31, a Media Graduate and I'm from Scotland. I'm a Reader, Reviewer, and Blogger.

Friday, 5 April 2013

Blog Tour: Proximity Series by M.A. George!

  
In the Words of a Song…
by M.A. George
 
I love the idea of making a soundtrack for a book.  I’ve seen it done a variety of ways…from listing a playlist that matches the feel of the book, to coordinating songs with specific scenes from the story, and everything in between.  I’ve also seen authors selecting one particular song that fits their novel perfectly.  I thought this might be a fun challenge….choosing one song that best matches Proximity in my mind.  This did turn out to be fun…Then again, anything that involves music is fun in my opinion.  But I wasn’t quite prepared for the challenge it would pose.
 
Making a soundtrack pick for Proximity is probably one of the hardest book-related choices I’ve had to make.  Believe me, it’s not because I don’t think about music much…I’m pretty much obsessed with it.  I find it very difficult to write without background music.  As a result, I’ve worn my ear buds down to pitiful little ear nubs.  I’d have music piped directly into my brain at all times if it were possible.  (If anyone knows of a new invention on the horizon that makes that possible, for Heaven’s sake, clue me in.)  But for all my love of music, choosing a single song that matches perfectly with Proximity is much more challenging than I expected it to be.
 
I’m afraid a big part of the dilemma is that my reaction to a song is 99.9% pure instinct.  I love the way a favorite song makes me feel…the emotions it evokes, the way it makes me want to sway or rest my head back and close my eyes, or the irresistible urge it gives me to dance (even if I happen to be riding in the passenger seat at the time, thus humiliating the hubby).  And though I certainly pay attention to the lyrics, most of my favorite songs are the stream-of-consciousness type that leave me thinking “Huh?” when I try to actually analyze the meaning behind the lyrics.  My personal take on a song is largely defined by the feel of the music, by little snippets of lyrics that strike me a certain way, and sometimes by what I happened to be doing/reading/writing at a time when I listened to that particular track.  Thus, I have been known to think of a song as the complete polar opposite of the intended subject matter.  As a writer, it seems odd that I would misconstrue a songwriter’s lyrics so blatantly, and I do feel guilty for it.  Yet I can’t help myself…I will forever react to music on pure gut feeling.
 
So, with that preface in mind…My choice for a soundtrack to Proximity is “Explosions” from Ellie Goulding’s Halcyon album.
 
If you’ve read Proximity, and you know the song well, you’re probably thinking “Huh?...”  I don’t know exactly what the songwriter’s intended meaning was, but as far as I would interpret, it is a song about the pain of love lost…quite possibly the pain of betrayal by a loved one.  While there is a snippet of that sentiment in Proximity, the romance between Palta and Eric is much more of a happily-ever-after.  So, I’ll admit it straightaway…This is a bit of a bizarre soundtrack choice.  
 
Don’t overthink it.
 
The reason behind my choice is, once again, 99.9% gut reaction.  The blend of a modern sound with the elements of classical music remind me of Palta—a woman who mixes the wisdom of age with the wit of youth.  It also helps that it’s just a darn good song.  It starts out softly and gently, with a sense of a bit of confusion…
 
“You trembled like you'd seen a ghost…”
 
It reminds me of Palta’s confusion when Eric initially panics and runs from her.
 
The music soon swells to the first introduction to the chorus, leading off with the passionate “Explosions…”  It’s such a breathtaking blend of a sometimes-delicate, sometimes-powerful melody.  Ellie’s voice ranges from gentle and peaceful, to bursting with emotion, and back to tranquility in a matter of seconds.
 
Here’s a snapshot of the chorus:
“Explosions on the day you wake up
Needing somebody and you've learned
It's okay to be afraid
But it will never be the same.”

Why does this fit Proximity in my mind?  Palta has spent a lifetime (a very long lifetime at that) as an alien-in-hiding here on Earth.  She’s torn between a fear of being discovered as an alien and a fear of endless days of monotony in her ho-hum life.  Most of all, she fears the loneliness that has taken hold of her.  When Eric arrives on the scene, any former boredom in Palta’s life quickly gives way to more turmoil than she bargained for.  Her monotonous days explode into a head-spinning mixture of love, suspense, danger, and intrigue (and okay, some literal explosions as well…).  Suddenly the days that would drag on endlessly are whisking by at a feverish pace.  And it scares her…She’s never known firsthand the love she reads about in novels, or encountered close and personal danger—or faced leaving her family and the only home she knows.  Life is suddenly anything but boring.  And one thing is for certain…“It will never be the same.”
 
Proximity

Dr. Palta Capal would be a typical American career woman…if only she were human.

She has found her calling in this world as a physician. It’s an ideal outlet for her compassionate spirit...and unearthly healing powers.

Palta may spend her nights rereading Jane Austen novels, but she deliberately avoids pursuing her own love story. Human men — attractive as they may be — inevitably grow old and wither, leaving her to grieve in solitude. Frankly, no one has seemed worth the torment.

Enter Eric Moran, the intensely attractive and enigmatic new coworker on the scene. With his quiet confidence and warm smile, he manages to draw Palta’s attention. Little does she know that he, too, holds a secret…one that will propel them both into an escalating collision of two worlds.


Proximity (Proximity, #1)
 
No matter the planet, Palta Capal is an alien.

She’s lived a lifetime where she never belonged…but relocating to the “home world” she’s never seen has her feeling more like an outsider than ever.

Teetering between the thrill of newfound love and the despair of family loss—not to mention the looming threat of global war—Palta doesn’t need any more excitement in her life.

But what she needs and what she gets are two entirely different things.
 
Buy Links!

Relativity
 
Relativity (Proximity #2)
 
No matter the planet, Palta Capal is an alien.

She’s lived a lifetime where she never belonged…but relocating to the “home world” she’s never seen has her feeling more like an outsider than ever.

Teetering between the thrill of newfound love and the despair of family loss—not to mention the looming threat of global war—Palta doesn’t need any more excitement in her life.

But what she needs and what she gets are two entirely different things.
 
Buy Links!
 
Author bio:
 
M. A. George is part proud mother of two adorable children, part super top secret agent…Oops, probably just lost that job.

Writing is what keeps her up into the wee hours of the night. Fortunately, she has a lot of energy (Read: caffeine is her friend). She has a bit of an obsession with music (It does a fantastic job of tuning out rambunctious children while she attempts to focus).

She sincerely hopes people out there enjoy reading her work as much as she enjoys writing it. And if anyone hears of work for a super top secret agent, she’s now available (Discretion guaranteed…).

Get news and updates on her latest work (including the continuation of the Proximity series) by visiting her blog at:
 
or the Proximity Facebook page at:
 
M.A. George
 

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Eternal Immortality [Eternal 02] by K.S. Haigwood and Ella Medler!

Pack your bags! We're going on a trip. The second installment of the Eternal series is about to be released! Like Witches? Love Vampires? What about a mysterious and magical island that can only be seen with a magic password? You can go there. I can take you. C'mon! *waves arm* I'll help you pack!
   
  
In celebration of Eternal Immortality's cover release, Kristie and Ella are making Eternal Island FREE April 4th-5th! Grab it up and tell your friends, so they can to!

 
ABOUT THE ISLAND A place where vampires rule, witches play, danger lurks and dreams really do come true. Eternal Island is a paranormal suspense novel, deeply rooted into myth. Vampires and magic form a unique backdrop to a love story with long reaching consequences. Human girl Ariana Lochalan finds herself transported from the relative calm of her ‘Nowhere, Arkansas’ life into a diametrically opposite existence when she discovers she is a powerful witch and meant to wed High Vampire of Eternal Island, Abe Cambridge. Despite first-sight magnetism, the two protagonists are being pushed apart, obstacles tripping them at every step, outside forces interfering and threatening their peace, and ultimately their lives. A world rich in magic and intrigue, Eternal Island is the first instalment of a saga which has love at its core and delves through the mire that is human nature in a turmoil of feeling and emotion. Would courage, resilience and love be enough to bring together two soul mates? How much would you sacrifice to save the one who owns your heart?


Eternal Island (Book 1 in the Eternal Series)

Author bios:
 

Kristie Haigwood (a.k.a. K.S. Haigwood) is currently writing her 8th novel. She lives in Arkansas, US. She is the mother of 2 awesome kids and 2 great dogs. She is happily married to her soulmate who thinks reading is a solid waste of time. Opposites attract. Kristie’s works include 'Save My Soul', 'Forbidden Touch', 'Eternal Island' and 'Hell's Gift' (available on Amazon in ebook and print). 'Eternal Immortality', 'Eternal Inception', 'The Last Assignment' and 'Good Side of Sin' are all releasing soon
 
 
 
Ella Medler is an author and playwright who lives in Cornwall, UK. She likes to experiment with different genres and is passionate about the human nature. Her works include the satire Martin Little, Resurrected, and the action thriller Blood is Heavier, both part of a series. Blood is Power is due for release in May 2013, and Martin Little Takes Epic Action, in summer 2013.

Wednesday, 3 April 2013

Double Trouble Cover Reveal: Now or Never by A.J. Bennett & Shattered Perfection by Piper Caleb!

 Mrs. Potter’s Book Publicity Services Presents:
 
Double Trouble Cover Reveal
 
Two NEW ADULT authors are revealing their debut novel covers today.
 
A.J. Bennett & Piper Caleb
 
Cover #1:
 Now or Never     
By: A.J. Bennett
 


Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years.

Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with 'no strings attached' relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex.

But she didn't plan on Derrick.

Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away.

When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it's now or never—walk away or make it work.

Author bio:
 

A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and bulldog. She is a self-proclaimed coffee and popcorn addict. A.J. is an avid reader and says that there is nothing better than escaping reality with a good book (and a cup of coffee of course). A.J. has always wanted to put her love of reading into something more, and has always had a passion for writing. She decided to put her two loves together and write her very first book.
 
 
Cover #2:
Shattered Perfection: The Diary of an Eating Disordered Mind   
By: Piper Caleb
 
 
 
How did I end up admitting myself to an eating disorder treatment center?
I wish I could pin point one thing that sent me on this path, but it’s not that simple.
It wasn’t the fact that a boy cheated on me, or that I had a tough time growing up. It wasn’t the fact that I was verbally abused, or the fact that eating disorders run in my genes. It wasn’t me suddenly getting recognition as a ballerina when I got mono and dropped 25 pounds; it wasn’t a cry for help.
It was all of those things combined…and much more.
In my diary entries you will get to see how the mind of this eating disordered girl works.
You will learn a lot more about me as a person—no holding back—and what brought me to rock bottom; and how I slowly fought my way back.
 
Author bio:
 
 
Piper Caleb is a 25 year old aspiring New Adult author from Lubbock, Texas. She started dancing when she was 3 years old and was classically trained as a ballerina. Piper attended Texas A&M University and received her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Psychology. She now resides in Amarillo, Texas where she writes and enjoys quiet life writing and spending time with family and friends. Piper also loves spending time with her 5 dogs and horses on the small ranch where she resides.

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Blog Tour: Wombstone [Vampireland 01] by Jessica Roscoe!

Publication date: 1st March 2013
Paperback edition: 300 pages
Source: Kindle
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis: Mia Blake wasn’t the first girl that was taken by the vampires.

She had heard all about the girls who were missing, and even though they were only “missing”, she knew in her heart that those girls were dead.

She felt sad for them, sure. But more than that, she felt glad that they had been strangers – not someone she knew, and certainly not her. Things like that didn’t happen to girls like her.

They always happened to someone else, and that’s why she barely blinked as she made her way across an empty football field, through a deserted parking lot, to meet a fate she had arrogantly assumed was reserved for other people.

She was a stupid girl.

She paid for it.
 
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did at all! I generally try and stay away from books with vampires in them as they tend to be cliché and I just genuinely think that they have been outdone but Wombstone has just made me give them a second chance! No joke! This book was absolutely amazing! I thought that I knew where the plot was going to go but it went in a completely different direction and it was an amazing direction so I couldn't complain one bit! The plot went at the perfect pace! It held my attention all the way through which I figured that it was going to after a couple of chapters in! The plot had so much in it and I actually though that it was going to take place in the one environment but I was soon proven wrong and Wombstone progressed more than I would have thought possible! The characters were amazing! Mia was the main character and she went through a massive change in this book! I loved her as a character because she stood up for herself which I wasn't expecting from her so it left me loving her that little bit more! I love how she stuck to her guns about her developing feelings for Ryan and she didn't go running to him or trust him to start with! I can completely understand why she couldn't trust him though! Ryan was such a hottie! I didn't expect him to help Mia but as the book progressed you could see that he really did want to help her! I really loved him and I loved him even more as the book progressed! I liked that Mia and Ryan's relationship didn't actually develop in this book apart from one particular scene! I was expecting their relationship to actually develop more but I really enjoyed that it didn't but hopefully it does in the next book! The ending was a bit of a surprise! I didn't really like how Mia acted as I thought that it was a bit extreme and I didn't really understand why she acted that way but in a strange way I did as well! The ending has left the plot open and not fully resolved so I am really looking forward to the next book in the Vampireland series! Wombstone was an amazing start to a series and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes next! I also love the cover! Big thank you to Jessica and Amber for having me on the Blog Tour!
 
Wombstone (Vampireland, #1)
 
Check it out on Goodreads: 
 
 
Author bio:

Jessica Roscoe is the author of Wombstone, a Young Adult paranormal novel. From a young age, she delighted in the written word and would often scare her poor parents with outlandish stories filled with the supernatural and macabre. Jessica studied film and screenwriting at university before deciding that novels were her calling. The setting for Wombstone was inspired by a six-month stint in the U.S. where she worked as a lifeguard at a summer camp in Mt Freedom, New Jersey. She is currently working on the next book in the Vampireland series. Her other loves in life include good quality tea, delicious wine, reading and hanging out with her husband and baby girl.
 
 

Monday, 1 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Losing Conner by Amanda Alberson!

 
At 17 Cassandra Coven made the heart wrenching decision to give her baby up for adoption. When her boyfriend Declan couldn't handle the choice he walked away from their relationship. Years later both Declan and the baby she gave away are thrust back into her life. How will Cassie deal with coming face to face with her past regrets, and can she handle losing them again? Follow Cassie on an emotional ride through her past and into her future.
 
Excerpt!
 
“This here is me favorite place.” He said.
His fingers ran lightly over the bark as we circled the trunk. My eyes followed the tree straight up into the heavens where the first stars were twinkling to life above us.
“Why?”
His sparkling green eyes cut towards mine as he leaned me against the tree, trapping me between his muscular arms.
“Cuz girl it’s the first place ever I kissed ya,”
I opened my mouth to say something, my words met by his soft lips. I sank into the warm, wet, wonderfulness of them. A silky warmth spread across me as the night air hummed. Our lips broke apart only long enough to for a quick breath before they ran to each other again. My head swam with the intensity of his kiss, his tongue flitting across my lips, teasing me. His hands became hot against my hips, as I kissed him hungrily, his mouth like sweet fresh berries. His lips pecked at mine then pressed in covering my mouth powerfully, before moving to my neck. The mix of his soft lips and the warmth of his breath on my skin pushed a soft sigh between my lips. The sound of it on the cool night air pulled him closer to me. He stopped and looked deeply into my eyes.
“By God you’re beautiful my Cassie girl.”

Author Bio:

Amanda Alberson was born in Baytown Texas and grew up in a small town outside of Houston. She has written stories and poems her whole life, and read every book she could get her hands on. She is in the process of relocating to Richardson TX, with her wonderful husband and two beautiful children. 'Losing Connor' is her first published work, but don't worry there are more to come.

 

Cover Reveal: Renegade [Heven and Hell 04] by Cambria Hebert!

 
I’ve been beautiful. I’ve been ugly. I’ve died. I’ve been brought back. I’ve had abilities awakened within me. My strength has been tested. My beliefs have been tested.

Yet I stand.

What’s next when you’ve pretty much experienced it all?

 The end.

 Sam and I are picking up the pieces. We’re trying to come to terms with all we’ve lost. And as much as I would like to hide my head, ignore the reality I live every day, there is no forgetting.

Riley is in hell—I’m still not sure of his agenda. My mother’s past haunts me. And Kimber… Kimber is being herself. Cole sneaks glances at Gemma and she returns them when she thinks I don’t see.

But I do.

When Beelzebub escapes he brings his war to places I never thought he would. Earth. Maine. Home. Now everyone and everything is at risk. This has become bigger than my circle of friends. This has become bigger than me. I have to finish this. I have to find a way to stop him, to finish this war.

 I just pray we will all be left standing in the end.
 
 

 
Add it to you TBR list on Goodreads!
 
Author bio:
 
Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series and the Death Escorts series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, could

n’t pick a major and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting
http://www.cambriahebert.com


Cambria Hebert

Release Day Blitz: The Prelude by KaSonndra Leigh!

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.

Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that
leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.

Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.

Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

 
The Prelude 
Excerpt!

Erin Gets Her Happy Dance On…

   I’m walking in a daze.
   I think I’m going to pass out. Whoa! What just happened out there? The most gorgeous, successful, beautifully arrogant man ever just kissed my hand. My best friend, Selene is going to hate me for being so lucky. I can’t wait to tell her.
  “Alright, chill out, Cinderella.” I walk through my door and let all the pretense, aka Miss Control USA, go flying out the window. I hop right up in the middle of my living room floor and start doing my hot damn dance.
   So, yeah, Alek’s statement about the prelude freaked me out for a second. The word reminded me of something Jada used to say. His line was just the tiniest bit corny, too. But I meant what I said when I told him I thought his words were cute. He can say anything with that accent and get away with it.
   I glance at my watch. 10p.m. It’s too early to call Selene. She works as a bartender in Florence. Sometimes her nights don’t end until around 2am.
   I sniff the contract Alek gave me. His scent still lingers on the paper, reminding me of the day I first experienced the scent of his cologne. That was the day I fell on my butt, and he offered me his jacket to cover my body. He’s a true gentleman. Well, maybe a little.
   So what if the gesture came after I had bolted for the door because he was looking me up and down at first. I feel myself forgiving his neglect to inform me of his true identity. He’s yet to explain himself. I consider agreeing to meet him for dinner just so he can tell me why he led me to believe he was an assistant.
   I shower and throw on my Betty Boop sleeping shirt, a pair of booties, and then try to bring my racing thoughts back under control. Heading to my bedroom, I lie down on the bed and pull out a romance novel Selene let me borrow.
   She thinks I’m destined to become either a nun or a homicidal maniac. Her reasoning being that no normal person goes without sex as long as I have done. Selene’s boyfriend and my old design lab partner from school, Christopher, even chimed in to help drill the thought into me one day when the two of them visited. I study the book in my hands.
   This just doesn’t seem right. Erin Angelo is pulling out a romance novel and actually considering reading it. Now I know something’s wrong with me.
 
 
Author bio:
 
I live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. I write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Sometimes they fall for each other and make sacrifices for their friends. Oh, and sometimes they love music and nature too. I live with my two sons,a guinea pig, a cat, and two dogs. Now that I have completed my MFA in creative writing, I find that I have a little extra time to play CLUE more often. I live in an L-shaped house dedicated to my grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.