Archive for April, 2014
RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY! HOLD ME TIGHT by FAITH SULLIVAN
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on April 30, 2014
Title: Hold Me Tight
Author: Faith Sullivan
Release date: April 30, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords
HOLD ME TIGHT Synopsis:
He loves me. He loves me not.
Ivy’s heart shatters upon hearing Eric’s crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won’t give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
She loves me. She loves me not.
When Ivy walks out, Eric can’t help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he’s blindsided when she moves in with a man who’s already stolen so much from him.
I love you. You love me not.
Lauren sees Eric and Ivy’s split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric’s rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy’s life in the process.
Excerpt:
But there’s something I have to do before this goes any further.
Slowly, I draw my head away from her embrace, finding the courage to finally meet her eyes. Her hair hasn’t been combed and her face is all tear-stained, but she has never looked more beautiful.
She stands, bracing herself against me. Her breath hitches when I gently start unbuttoning her shirt, but her eyes never leave my face. I stop partway up, raising the bottom half of her cami up and over her baby bump. Dropping down, I run my hands across her stomach, feeling her shiver against my fingertips. Looking up at her, I place my lips on her bellybutton, kissing the child that’s growing within her, the miracle we created.
“I will never ask you to choose again,” I say solemnly, my voice nothing but a whisper.
Ivy starts to cry in earnest, placing her hands atop mine.
“You are my heart now. Whatever happens to you happens to me.” I kiss each one of her knuckles as she sighs deeply, like she’s been longing with all her soul to hear me say these words. “I know I’m not as brave as you are, but I promise to try harder.”
“Eric, stop. You’re the bravest man I know,” she proclaims with a tender fierceness, tears shining in her eyes.
“I’m just so afraid of losing you,” I mutter, breaking down.
“Oh, Eric,” she whimpers, sobbing right along with me. “I know, baby… I know.”
I lean back against the wall, guiding her onto my lap. We don’t say anything more. We just sit there and hold each other, savoring the moment.
About the Author:
Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED. She writes love stories with a little dash of crazy.NEW RELEASE! DEAD GIRL WALKING by RUTH SILVER
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on April 29, 2014
DEAD GIRL WALKING by Ruth Silver
a Young Adult Paranormal Adventure
published by Patchwork Press
Forget everything you know about grim reapers.
About the Author:
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing. Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy young adult stories. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads
COVER REVEAL! THE LUTHIER’S APPRENTICE by MAYRA CALVANI
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Uncategorized on April 28, 2014
Releases on May 15th
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…
When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.
But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma’s family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?
Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier’s apprentice…
About The Author
Website Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads
Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. Represented by Serendipity Literary.
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REVIEW: AMITY by MICOL OSTOW
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on April 28, 2014
Synopsis:
Connor’s family moves to Amity to escape shady business deals. Ten years later, Gwen’s family moves to Amity for a fresh start after she’s recovered from a psychotic break.
But something is not right about this secluded house. Connor’s nights are plagued with gore-filled dreams of demons and destruction. Dreams he kind of likes. Gwen has lurid visions of corpses that aren’t there and bleeding blisters that disappear in the blink of an eye. She knows Amity is evil and she must get her family out, but who would ever believe her?
Amity isn’t just a house. She is a living force, bent on manipulating her inhabitants to her twisted will. She will use Connor and Gwen to bring about a bloody end as she’s done before. As she’ll do again.
Review:
Growing up, I was a horror film junkie! While Freddie, Jason, and Michael pumped my adrenaline, they never caused me any permanent damage. What scarred me for life was The Exorcist, Chainsaw Massacre, Jaws, and The Amityville series. For in my mind, these were the real horrors that lurked in the shadows. After all, they were loosely based on real stories, right?
Recently, I’ve noticed a fad in which authors are rewriting stories to fit the young adult group, and why not? I think it’s a brilliant idea that gives our teens a bigger variety of literature to choose from.
This novel in particular has interlaced two stories, a decade apart, into a chilling tale!
I applaud this author, as she has done a great job of writing a novel that terrifies, thrills, and disgusts! The brilliance of her work is in the details, as her creativity and story background was above and beyond what I expected. There are a few twists added, making this version of the horror classic a more unique and interesting tale than the previous stories. The narrative is bounced expertly between two teens, whose lives have been abruptly changed by the house and other entities involved. I must add that although Ostow leads you down a twisted path, the most heinous of acts are left to the reader’s imagination. As expected, there are some bloody scenes, a few mentions of abuse, and some vivid descriptions of a demented mind in action. There were several times when nothing seemed real, but everything was horrifying. I loved it!
I highly recommend this to mature young adults, high school being the youngest, and adults who love the paranormal, thrillers, and horrors!
About The Author:
Micol Ostow is half Puerto Rican, half Jewish, half reader, half writer, and, when under deadline, often half asleep. Micol was working as an editor of young adult fiction when she began to write her own books; since then, she has published over 40 works for readers of all ages. Her novel, Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa, was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and her graphic novel hybrid, So Punk Rock: And Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother, was chosen as a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Teens.
Micol received her MFA in Writing For Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2009, and currently teaches a popular young adult writing workshop through Media Bistro. She lives in NYC with her Emmy-award winning filmmaker husband, Noah Harlan, their daughter, and a persnickety French Bulldog named Bridget Jones. When not lurking online, Micol can most frequently be found reading, running, or drinking way too much coffee. You can also visit her online, blogging with the readergirlz divas over at the National Book Award-winning literacy project, http://www.readergirlz.com.
Links:
RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY! ORENDA by RUTH SILVER
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on April 27, 2014
ORENDA by Ruth Silver
a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure series
published by Patchwork Press
Join forces with a parallel universe.
Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can’t exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her younger sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for.
A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Signed Copy
Excerpt:
Lil stood firm, sword-in-hand, staring at the beast as it flew directly at her. “How do I kill it?” She raised the sword above her head with two hands.
Hudson glanced at her. “With what we taught you. The dragon is no different than a man.”
“It has wings and is flying at me. I’d say it’s different!”
REVIEW
This is an excellent YA fantasy with a little twist of Greek Mythology squeezed in!
The characters are wonderfully written, and quite the cast! Although this is just the introduction, you get to know important facts about each person, or creature, involved. There’s a hint of romance, and a great deal of heartbreak involved. These kids seemed somewhat naive, but brave, and I was impressed with the compassion they showed each other. Lil and Bray were exposed to different sides of Orenda during their stay, with Bray’s being the worst, but Willow and her gang helped them every step of the way.
The background on Orenda is a little hazy, but the author gives enough to satisfy for now. I expect the gaps will be filled throughout the series, but I have to admit that I’m completely satisfied with this book. The writing style is intelligent, easy to follow, and fast paced. Each twist was unexpected and brilliantly placed, which made the story more addictive!
After dealing with a demon sorceress, the darkest version of Tinkerbell I’ve ever heard of, and a few mental bombshells, I am anxiously awaiting the author’s next move!
GIVEAWAY
About the Author:
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required, because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. Upcoming works include Royal Reaper, a young adult series about grim reapers, due for release June 3rd, 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads
REVIEW: MELTED & SHATTERED by EMILY ECK
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Uncategorized on April 24, 2014
Synopsis
Doing her best to stay afloat amidst the sh!t storm that has become her life, Elle is hanging on by a thread. Between worrying about Fernie’s precarious future, an incident with a Shemar Moore look-alike gone terribly wrong, and an inability to let go of her feelings for J, Elle just can’t seem to get her head straight.
Deciding a change of atmosphere is what she needs, Elle heads to Mexico to study abroad for a semester.
She has no idea that she is walking into an even worse storm.
One that involves a pissed off MC President, a ruthless drug cartel, and a man willing to die to have her light.
***WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT!!***
***This is the 2nd book in the series L&J – cannot be read as a stand-alone***
REVIEW
I strongly suggest reading the first novel in this series, Steel & Ice, as it helps you understand the strength and connection between the hero and heroine.
Elle has to deal with a great deal of internal conflict throughout this novel, which requires growth, acceptance, and a little hate. Her healing process takes a little more out of her than what she’s used to, but she finds support in unexpected places. I liked seeing this side of her, as she seems more mature and a little wiser than before. I simply can’t get enough of J, and that’s all I have on him. The stellar supporting characters help add a little more spice, and drama, to the tale.
The author has an uncanny way of pulling you into her novels quicker than a Latino soap opera! The no holds barred, in your face, full-on bluntness really makes this series addictive. Grab a copy, you won’t be sorry!
Purchase Links
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily is a Midwestern Gal, but could be anywhere as you read this. She gypsy’s the country, as well as south of the border. Adventure feeds her soul, and offers great writing material.
She loves kids and working with kids, but can only handle caring for four-legged furry friends. A crazy dog and laid back cat have trained her to be their partner in life.
Vices include Swedish Fish, ignoring chores in favor of reading, and caring too much for people in her life. She chose to write this bio in third person as she is an Aries, and found writing in first person ended up with her writing an excessively long life story.
Aries like to talk about themselves. It is something Emily is working on being more mindful of.
Giveaway
Brought To You By
COVER REVEAL! BROKEN by LAUREN LAYNE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on April 24, 2014
BROKEN by Lauren Layne
Flirt New Adult Romance
On sale: September 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-553-39035-3
About the book:
Lauren Layne’s heart-wrenching novel tells the story of a girl with secrets, a guy with scars, and a love that could save them both . . . or destroy them.
When Olivia Middleton abandons the glamour of Park Avenue for a remote, coastal town in Maine, everyone assumes she’s being the kind do-gooder she’s always been. But Olivia has a secret: helping an injured war veteran reenter society isn’t about charity—it’s about penance. Only, Olivia’s client isn’t the grateful elderly man she’s expecting. Instead, he’s a brooding twenty-four-year-old who has no intention of being Olivia’s path to redemption . . . and whose smoldering gaze and forbidden touch might be her undoing.
Paul Langdon doesn’t need a mirror to show him he’s no longer the hotshot quarterback he was before the war. He knows he’s ugly—inside and out. He’ll do anything to stay in self-imposed exile, even accept his father’s ultimatum that Paul tolerate the newest caretaker for three months or lose his inheritance. But Paul doesn’t count on the beautiful twenty-two-year-old who makes him long for things that he can never have. And the more she slips past his defenses, the more keeping his distance is impossible.
Now Paul and Olivia have to decide: Will they help each other heal? Or are they forever broken?
** Teaser Reveal!**
Olivia squirms. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’ve never known a female to acquiesce that easily without a catch. How about you hit me with it now and get it over with?”
Olivia shrugs. “Fine. I was going to say that I won’t run alone, if you promise to go with me.”
“No,” I say, almost before she’s finished her sentence.
“Why not?”
I rap my cane once against the ground. “Well, for starters, despite the fact that there are tortoises that could surpass your sorry excuse for a jog, I’m in no shape to accompany even the most pathetic of runners.”
“What a handy skill you have of overloading a sentence with insults,” she says as she reaches up to adjust her ponytail. “That must be helpful what with your thriving social life and all.”
I thump my cane against the ground again, studying her. “Must be nice, picking on the cripple.”
Olivia rolls her eyes. “Please. Your soul’s more crippled than your leg.”
She has no idea how right she is, and I have no intention of letting her anywhere close enough to find out. I’ve gotten good at shutting people out by pushing them away . . . being as nasty as possible until they reach their breaking point. But with her? It’s different.
We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek of BROKEN by Lauren Layne! Love everything Lauren Layne? Her newest adult contemporary romance in the Sex, Love and Stiletto series, JUST ONE NIGHT, is on sale now!
ON SALE!
Click below for JUST ONE NIGHT review post..A Romancebookworm.com Goody!
BLOG TOUR STOP! JUST ONE NIGHT BY LAUREN LAYNE (@TastyBookTours).
About the Author
Lauren Layne is a snarky smartass with a serious weakness for happily ever afters.
Marrying her high school sweetheart was a good start. *cue Disney soundtrack.*
But Lauren wanted all romance, all the time.
Now she writes fictional happy endings, and considers her job done well if you swoon while reading her books.
Don’t worry. You will.
Once upon a time she lived in a Manhattan high-rise, but now she’s on the laid-back train in the Seattle area. If you ever find yourself in Issaquah, she’ll probably buy you a drink. Maybe.
Connect with Lauren
Facebook | Twitter | Website
BLOG TOUR STOP! HOLD ME IN CONTEMPT BY WENDY WILLIAMS (@TastyBookTours)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, Romancebookworm.com Goodies on April 23, 2014
A ROMANCEBOOKWORM.COM GOODY! CLICK LINK BELOW FOR MORE!
BLOG TOUR STOP! HOLD ME IN CONTEMPT BY WENDY WILLIAMS (@TastyBookTours).
RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY!MELTED & SHATTERED
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on April 21, 2014
Synopsis
Doing her best to stay afloat amidst the sh!t storm that has become her life, Elle is hanging on by a thread. Between worrying about Fernie’s precarious future, an incident with a Shemar Moore look-alike gone terribly wrong, and an inability to let go of her feelings for J, Elle just can’t seem to get her head straight.
Deciding a change of atmosphere is what she needs, Elle heads to Mexico to study abroad for a semester.
She has no idea that she is walking into an even worse storm.
One that involves a pissed off MC President, a ruthless drug cartel, and a man willing to die to have her light.
***This is the 2nd book in the series L&J – cannot be read as a stand-alone***
Purchase Links
***WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT!!***
Excerpt
He inhaled sharply, but said in an even voice. “And I can’t lose you before the greatest fight I will ever wage.”got nothing left to give you, J. Nothing.”
We lay on the floor, two damaged bodies searching for the light. J pulled my head into his hands, bringing us face to face. I could feel his breath against my lips. “You were a comet that bust into my life out of no where” he whispered. “I begged for you. On my knees in the dirt, I groveled to the sky to bring me light. And there you were, at Eight Oh Eight, staring up at me, even though I knew you couldn’t see through the window. I saw you, though. Elle, I saw you long before you saw me.”
“I’m not sure what to say. I want to tell you I’ll wait. That I’ll be here, waiting like a good girl for you. I want to because I love you. Fuck, I love you.” I turned, finally ready to look him in the eye. “I don’t know where I’ll be. I can’t tell you that. But I can tell you that I love the fuck out of you, and no matter how much I try to stop,” I paused. Fuck this mother fucker. Fuck! God, why was he doing this to me? Angry tears, sad tears, hopeless tears, tears filled with longing fell from my eyes. J caught then with his thumb, but there were too many. They ran over his fingers like a waterfall.I’m fighting this war for you. To be with you.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily is a Midwestern Gal, but could be anywhere as you read this. She gypsy’s the country, as well as south of the border. Adventure feeds her soul, and offers great writing material.
She loves kids and working with kids, but can only handle caring for four-legged furry friends. A crazy dog and laid back cat have trained her to be their partner in life.
Vices include Swedish Fish, ignoring chores in favor of reading, and caring too much for people in her life. She chose to write this bio in third person as she is an Aries, and found writing in first person ended up with her writing an excessively long life story.
Aries like to talk about themselves. It is something Emily is working on being more mindful of.
Giveaway
Brought To You By
I KNOW LUCY RELEASE DAY BLITZ!
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on April 20, 2014
Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she’s spent five years in hiding — taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can’t be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else…the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.
Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Author Blog / Book Blog / Pinterest
Sign up for Melissa’s Newsletter
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan… not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. “Best. Year. Ever!!” She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 – True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.
“I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love.”
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