Archive for November, 2014
BLACK FRIDAY FREEBIES & SALE!
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on November 30, 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ! MISTLETOE and MR. RIGHT by LYLA PAYNE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on November 20, 2014
USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!
TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY! Drama Queens CALL OFF YOU DOGS by L.U. ANN
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on November 17, 2014
Title: Drama Queens: Call Off Your Dogs
Author: L.U. Ann
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Synopsis
Gertie knows she doesn’t have a picture perfect life, but feels blessed with what she does have. So what if love left her heart shattered and broken? She has a great job at Simple Luxury, an apartment in Houston with her sister, Mabel, and an outspoken, no-filter, church-going Gram back in Eufaula, Oklahoma where she was raised after her parents died.
Things are going well for Gertie until the man who broke her heart shows up in Houston. Tyler knew he had made the biggest mistake of his life the night he lost Gertie, but now he is back to reclaim the woman who owns his heart. It won’t be easy though, but he is going to have to make Gertie accept the life he has now and want to be part of it. As the owner of a successful construction company, he is devoted to making Eufaula the place Gertie will want to return and to forgive him for his mistakes.
With Gram being so outspoken in her column Drama Mama in the Eufaula’s Daily Indian Journal, she doesn’t hold back with her opinions about books and the nonsense drama among authors in the book world. Gram isn’t afraid to give her opinion to Mabel and Gertie when it comes to life, either.
Will events out of their control change their future plans for everyone involved?
By the way, the dog on the cover is named Cujo. What is a small town full of secrets and gossip without a dog named Cujo?
PURCHASE LINKS
Excerpt
Prologue
“Thank God, I was let out of this dirty cage today. I seriously needed a break from listening to those humans cackling about this and that. I sure will miss my tail wagging friends. This human is questionable. His bright yellow pants and pink shirt are giving me a headache. Dear God, please don’t let him dress me up. Wait… Oh, no, I think I’m going to be carsick!”
~ Cujo
2008
“Gram, that seems a little risqué to me,” Mabel says handing me the rough draft of Grams weekly column. “I wonder what the people at your church think.” Mabel raises an eyebrow at Gram.
“Darling, you have to live a little. Don’t limit yourself to society’s rules. Lord knows those rules are violated every day. I’m only doing it underhandedly. And, for the love of God, don’t bring him into this. He and I have worked out an arrangement.” Gram bats her lashes. How can an old woman be conniving yet look innocent at the same time?
Damn she’s good.
I begin to read the rough draft of this week’s column post:
Sunday, July 19, 2008
Drama Queens: Call Off Your Dogs
Citizens of Eufaula, Drama Mama here, and I’m going to tell you two chewable, delicious, bone-worthy reads releasing this week.
Trenda Jacobson’s Wronged is projected to jump to the top of the charts quickly. Trenda brings in Alan Bird—a quiet man who had very few friends growing up. Not because others didn’t like him. No, he was a loner. This behavior kept him away from the real world. With little interaction with the outside world as an adult and an experimental scientist, he found his joy in pain. Not his pain, but others. The FBI has been hunting Alan for years—almost a decade—before they discover his underground lab. When the violent acts are uncovered, will the FBI agents be able to find Alan, and most importantly, will they be able to escape being next in line?
This next one is going to be a must-read. Deliberate Intentions by Renee Gilbert is best described as a modern day Romeo and Juliet—only worse. The two main characters, Mike and Lauren, are high school sweethearts. Mike is two years older, goes to a local community college so that he can stay close to his girlfriend. He makes sacrifice after sacrifice to stay with her. Problem is, she doesn’t. Lauren is brilliantly manipulating Mike as her puppet. This story looks at the problems with young-dumb love and how two teens practically escape a bright future because they are in too much of a rush to get married. Lauren does something very sneaky to seal the deal—something that has great consequences for both of them. Will they get the love and support from their families when everything becomes clear? This one is sure to touch readers of many generations.
Quickly, I would like to take a moment to thank my readers for their support and enjoyment of this unconventional column. This marks my fifty-second column as Drama Mama. For one year, I’ve created quite a stir in the reader, author, and in the publishing world—and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I appreciate all the comments and can’t wait to see what we discover over the next fifty-two posts.
Okay, now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way. Let’s get onto the good stuff. People who you interact with on a regular basis can be compared to dogs. You know you have thought about it before. It can be a co-worker, friend, or possibly, a family member. Either way, canine behavior isn’t exclusive to its kind. Take for instance Chihuahuas. They are small and look so innocent, but the moment you piss them off, they are attacking the leg of your pants or hiking their leg on your furniture to show you who the real boss is.
These are the true bullies of the world. Why? Because the moment you stop cuddling with your pocket pet, they turn on you. Let’s have a look at the monstrous Pit bull. Their big, muscular frame has many scared to death of them. They were born with strong jaws that match their strong bodies. But guess what? They aren’t going to turn on you like those little Mexican things. No, they will lick you to death and play for hours. So, when I’m looking for someone to be in my corner, I’d rather have the one that looks vicious on the outside, but has a heart of gold as opposed to the one that looks cute and cuddly, but can turn into a biting piranha at any moment.
So there you have it. Drama Mama’s paw print. Until next week, keep your eyes open for those ankle biters and thanks for reading Drama Queens: Call Off Your Dogs.
“Gram, I’m going to college so that I can, hopefully, become a great writer and editor, but I can tell you now, I won’t be writing stuff like this. You must’ve been born with a set of balls,” I manage to say in all seriousness before looking at Mabel and we fall into a fit of giggles.
“Gertie, you will find people in this industry who are precisely like the dogs I described. It’s best you toughen up. You will encounter some who are nice to your face, become a best friend, but will talk about you behind your back and make you sound crazy. All the while, they are the crazy ones to start with. I’m trying to teach you how to cope with these Chihuahuas of the world. Your best bet is to find a Pit bull.”
My eyebrows furrow in confusion. Are people really like that?
“Sweetheart, you’re young and dumb.” My eyes grow at her harshness. “Oh, please, you know it as well. You need to go out and experience the world. Just watch out for needless drama and the back-stabbing bitches of the industry. I mean, come on, really? No one does drama like me.” Gram smiles before walking out of the room.
“We’re related to that?” Mabel whispers, watching Grams retreating form. Slowly raising my shoulders in a shrug, we glance at one another suspiciously before returning our eyes to the doorway Gram had just walked through.
“That woman is crazy,” I claim.
“No doubt,” Mabel agrees.
About The Author
She lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. Moving from the lush landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the high desert plains of Colorado was a drastic change. She and her family moved to their own “Little House on the Prairie” at an elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level, and a semi-arid climate that makes it hard to grow anything. While barely anything can grow where she resides now, the wildlife makes up for it. Mountain Lions, and coyotes, and rattlesnakes, oh my!
She tries to spend a little time each day writing, but domestic chores around the house usually take precedence. She would much rather hide them from her husband. She tends to her loving four-legged children who at times become much too demanding when she locks herself in the office. This often results in MORE domestic work, and she finds herself cleaning up after their deviant behavior.
She has always been an artist painting as a hobby to back drops in theatrical set designs. Graphic design is her guilty pleasure.
A Destructive Novel is a series of three books based on her life. They deal with heavy life issues and will have the reader begging for a happily ever after.
Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads
Giveaway
REVIEW & GIVEAWAY! THE SOUL THIEF by MAJANKA VERSTRAETE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on November 15, 2014
The Soul Thief (The Angel of Death Series #1)
by Majanka Verstraete
Publisher: Booktrope
Published: November 11, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal
SYNOPSIS
When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death.
Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble
REVIEW
This exciting YA novel begins with a traumatic jolt and keeps the exhilarating flow throughout! The characters are believable and the paranormal world created is easy to understand. Leaving the religious aspect open-minded, the author gives our young readers an engaging story that’s congenial for most. Although there’s a fleeting glimpse of romance, it’s appropriate and leaves us wanting for more!
Younger readers should take to this quite nicely! I recommend.
Quick note for the “pet-peevers”:
There are a few inconsistencies that over analytical adults like me will notice, but they’re easy to overlook. For example, Riley’s mentor is quoted as being aged “over millennia”, yet he seems as inexperienced and naïve as she at times. Also, Riley’s abilities seem to have “clauses” added as the story progresses. Again, these are easy to overlook, but worth mentioning. I don’t feel this takes away from the story, and I doubt it will deter the younger readers. I stick to my recommendation.
About This Literary Chef
Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.
She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.
She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.
Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”
November 12
Write Away Bliss – Schedule / Excerpt
The Musings of a Book Addict – Review
Suzy Turner, Author – Author Interview
The Best Books Ever – Character Bio, Dreamcast, Excerpt
November 13
Country Book Bumpkin – Review, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Reese’s Reviews – Review, Character Bio, Dreamcast
Pinky’s Favorite Reads – Top Ten, Excerpt
November 14
Indy Book Fairy – Review, Excerpt
Kimber Leigh Writes – Top Ten, Excerpt
Here is What I Read – Author Interview, Dreamcast, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Writing Belle – Character Bios
November 15
A Book Paradise – Author Interview, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Endless Reading – Review, Excerpt
The Literary Melting Pot – Review
November 16
Roxy’s Reviews – Review, Character Bios, Top Ten
Real Talk, Book Talk – Dreamcast, Excerpt
Becca Anne’s Book Reviews – Review, Character Bio, Dreamcast
Nerd Girl Official – Excerpt
November 17
Deal Sharing Aunt – Author Interview, Top Ten, Excerpt
Star Shadow Blog – Character Bio, Dreamcast, Soundtrack
Dystopia Capitol – Review
November 18
Kristy Centro – Character Bios
Whispered Thoughts – Character Bios, Excerpt, Soundtrack
Little Hyuts Reviews – Dreamcast
November 19
Step Into Fiction – Review, Excerpt
Behind the Pages – Author Interview, Dreamcast, Excerpt
This Redhead Loves Books – Review, Excerpt
The Avid Reader – Soundtrack, Character Bios
November 20
Tracy’s Nook – Review, Character Interview
The Pleasure of Reading – Excerpt
Bex n Books – Character Bios
Becky’s Barmy Book Blog – Top Ten, Excerpt
November 21
Relaxed Reads – Dreamcast
Renee Entress’s Blog – Review
Books and Friendz – Character Bio, Excerpt
Pretty in Fiction – Top Ten, Excerpt
Kat’s Book Promotions – Dreamcast
RELEASE DAY BLITZ! THIRTY-THREE and a HALF SHENANIGANS by Denise Grover Swank
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on November 4, 2014
Shenanigans,
the sixth book in the USA Today bestselling Rose Gardner Mystery series will
release on November 4, 2014.
when Neely Kate’s cousin goes missing and the police refuse to take it seriously. But
while the authorities—Rose’s ex-boyfriend, included—are certain the missing
woman has run away, mounting evidence points to foul play. Rose agrees to help her friend, even if it means partaking in
Neely Kate’s shenanigans, including an impromptu trip to a
strip club.
comes without a guest, Skeeter Malcolm, Fenton County’s newly crowned
underground king, resurfaces, saying he needs Rose’s visionary gift to track
down his enemies. He makes her the only offer she can’t refuse: The guaranteed
safety of her assistant DA boyfriend, Mason Deveraux, who is being threatened
by forces unknown. The Fenton County law enforcement is still abuzz about the
infamous Lady in Black, who took part in the underground auction that earned
Skeeter his crown. Can Rose risk a reprisal of her role?
continue to rise and the search for Neely Kate’s cousin becomes increasingly
complicated, Rose must struggle to keep both her secret identity and her sanity.
Amazon AU:
Amazon CA:
iBooks Best Books of the Month in
trying run a landscaping business, but her ability to glimpse the future keeps
putting her in harm’s way. The latest lighthearted installment in Denise Grover
Swank’s bestselling romantic suspense series should hook newcomers while
continuing to delight established fans. With
its small-town Arkansas setting, likable characters, old-fashioned mystery, and
easygoing humor, Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans is an entertaining weekend
read. –iBooks Editors’ Note–iBooks Best Books of the Month, November 2014,
Australia and New Zealand#ibooks #rosegardner
York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in
Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she
became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over
the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English
and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive
Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own
her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you
believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and
the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within
two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many
unspeakable tasks.
so she leads you to believe.
Cook, AnnaLisa Grant and Chanda Hahn
2015!
We will be stopping
in London, York, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cardiff. Here’s the schedule:
Tuesday 21st April 20154pm – 7pm
Kensington Central Library
Phillimore Walk
London
W8 7RX
Thursday 23rd April 2015
3pm – 7pm
Hotel 53
53 Piccadilly
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 9PL
Saturday 25th April 2015
Glasgow
TBC
Tuesday 28th April 2015
5pm – 8pm
Library of Birmingham
Centenary Square
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2ND
Thursday 30th April 2015
3pm – 6:30pm
Cardiff Central Library
The Hayes
Cardiff
CF10 1FL
Space at the signings are limited. To guarantee you
get to meet the authors we are recommending that you purchase an exclusive book
bag for £5 and this will confirm your spot. Book bag purchases are not a
requirement but are recommended.
Here’s the link to purchase your book bag and
guarantee your spot at your desired location: