Archive for category Book News
COVER REVEAL! GRANTED WISHES by TANYA VOUGHT
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on January 5, 2015
Granted Wishes by Tanya Vought
Publisher: Booktrope
Expected Release: February 17, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A decision that will change her life forever.
After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.
The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.
With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?
About This Literary Chef
Tanya Vought is a hopeless romantic who thrives on Dr Pepper. She loves to sing… whether it’s a song off the radio or one she makes up with her kids. Tanya can almost always been seen with a book in hand or reading on her phone. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two imaginative children.
BLOG TOUR STOP! THE SYRIAN VIRGIN by ZACK LOVE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on December 29, 2014
Title: The Syrian Virgin
Author: Zack Love
Genre: Contemporary Fiction and Political/Interracial Romance
Cover Design: Pink Ink Designs by Cassy Roop
Anissa is traumatized by the most brutal conflict of the 21st Century: the Syrian Civil War. In 2012, Islamists in Homs terrorize a Syrian-Christian community and destroy everything that a young woman holds dear. Narrowly escaping death, Anissa restarts her devastated life as a college student in NY. She is bewildered and lost — a virgin in every sense.
But despite her inexperience with men and life in the United States, Anissa is quickly drawn to two powerful individuals: Michael Kassab, the Syrian-American leader working to found the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien Morales, her Columbia University professor who runs a $20 billion hedge fund.
Complicating matters, Michael is still attached to his ex-girlfriend and Julien is the most sought after bachelor in Manhattan (and has hidden demons even his therapist can’t extract). Anissa’s heart and her communal ties pull her in different directions, as she seeks hope and renewal in a dark world.
WARNING: This book is about a young woman’s difficult journey: her escape from Syria’s Civil War, her transition to a new a country, and the relationships that she forms along the way, including her romantic interests in two very different men. The story is set against the backdrop of the Syrian Civil War and makes reference to violent acts, sometimes in detail. There is some occasional profanity and a few scenes that depict sexual intimacy. Accordingly, the recommended minimum age for readers is 16. The novel might be compared to books like “The Diary of Anne Frank” or “The Kite Runner.”
We were peacefully rallying for our cause, when some strangers accosted me and started to debate us. But then it became clear that they didn’t really want to debate as much as harass . One of them then spat on me and tore up my sign, and then, as I was wiping off his spit from my face, I saw the placard in Michael’s left hand fall to the grass, as his right hand closed into an angry fist. Then I saw his clenched hand barrel thunderously from his side until it landed smack on the nose of the giant guy who had spat on me. I actually heard the thud of the impact, and the man just collapsed to the ground from the force of Michael’s blow. He was out cold.
“Come on, shitheads – who’s next?!” Michael shouted at the first two counter- protestors, gesturing them to step up for a fight. By then, their entire group had gathered around, so Michael was even more outnumbered. But his dangerous rage was palpable – as if he alone could destroy everyone there. More of our protesters also started showing up, after hearing or seeing the commotion. But they weren’t needed in the end. The counter-protestors there raised their hands in surrender and backed away in fear of this large man who just knocked out an even larger man with a single punch. “OK, OK, take it easy. We’re leaving,” they said.
“Apologize to her. Now!” he boomed, ready to rip them to shreds. The first two protesters looked at me meekly.
“We’re sorry… We’re sorry, ma’am, that our friend got out of hand.”
“Yeah, he shouldn’t have done that.”
“Now get the fuck out of here!” Michael commanded. “It’s cool, dude, we’re leaving,” one of them said, as the two of them picked up their dazed comrade with a bloody and probably broken nose, and left the area with him stumbling between them…
I went over to Michael and very conspicuously put my arm around his waist. I then pulled him in for a long and intense kiss, as if our future together depended on it. After a few minutes, we finally came up for air, and my face felt flush with impatient passion.
“Let’s go back,” I said.
Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman” and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil War, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.
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ANGELA GRAHAM BOOK SIGNING THIS WEEKEND!
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on December 18, 2014
BLOG TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY! SEDUCING THE RUTHLESS ROGUE by Tammy Jo Burns
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on December 11, 2014
Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
by Tammy Jo Burns
The Rogue Agents #2
Publication Date: October 19, 2014
Also in this series: Taming the Wicked Wulfe
Genres: Historical, Romance
Synopsis:
As Director of The War Office, Stuart McKenzie, has proven himself capable of making difficult decisions in times of crisis and keeping government secrets safe. When he walks in on someone ransacking his study he quickly moves to apprehend them, only to be tossed on his back as the burglar escapes into the night.
Cassie’s father has become a pawn in the fight against Napoleon. When the enemy kidnaps him, she will do anything it takes to get him back – including stealing government secrets from Stuart McKenzie, the Director of the War Office.
When Cassie is caught, she reluctantly agrees to Mack’s assistance as there is something far more sinister going on. As Mack embarks on his mission, he will find that enemies are often closer than one would think and that sometimes your ally will come in the least likely form. When passion erupts between Mack and Cassie, they find their lives forever altered. But just as they believe their lives to be free of danger, a new threat is lurking about, promising to rip their happiness away from them. Will they be able to trust each other enough to defeat this new threat, or will they be torn apart for all eternity?
REVIEW
This was a fast-paced read that I simply could not put down!
I admit that I was expecting more content pertaining to the wars during this period, but the author has done a superb job of delivering a thrilling alternative.
Mack and Cassie are intelligent, gorgeous, and very hard-headed! Both have inner demons, which sometimes cloud their judgment. It is this, along with a few other similarities that cause the fiery couple to butt heads. These altercations can be comedic, heartbreaking, and incredibly sexy! I enjoyed reading as the layers were peeled back and our hero and heroine were truly revealed.
This novel stands alone well. Each sorrowful scene was countered with either comedic relief, or an act of kindness. The mystery involved had me second guessing everyone, and I couldn’t get enough of the passion! I will be reading the rest of the author’s work, as the secondary characters are too wonderfully written to ignore. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I recommend it for romance and mystery lovers.
About This Literary Chef
From a young age I could always be found carrying around books to read while watching my grandmother’s soap operas with her. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on and even made up skits and stories for my friends and me to act out. Once I outgrew the children’s and YA books, my mom introduced me to an entirely new world – contemporary romance. Upon discovering I had a love for history I began devouring historical romances. One day, sitting in a college British History class, something the professor said made me think, I wonder. I quickly called mom (also a writer) and ran the idea by her. After being told, “Of course you can do it, you’re my daughter,” the rest, as they say, is history. I currently share my love of reading with the next generation as a high school librarian, and share my personal life with my demanding dog trapped in a cat’s body, Ajax.
RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY! ALARM by SHAY SAVAGE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on December 8, 2014
Synopsis
Still, she finds herself drawn to Aiden and the excitement she is missing in her own life. He fills her days with thrills and danger, and her nights with passion she’s never experienced before. Even though she knows he’s hiding something from her, Chloe pushes away her concerns and dives into this new way of living.Near the beach in Miami, Aiden teaches her to live life to the fullest as Chloe battles the internal warning bells that tell her to be wary. By the time she realizes her fears may be justified, it’s too late.Aiden’s past is catching up to him, but is he the hunter or the hunted?
Purchase Links
Meet the Author
Always looking for a storyline and characters who fall outside the norm, Shay Savage’s tales have a habit of evoking some extreme emotions from fans. She prides herself on plots that are unpredictable and loves to hear it when a story doesn’t take the path assumed by her readers. With a strong interest in psychology, Shay loves to delve into the dark recesses of her character’s brains–and there is definitely some darkness to be found! Though the journey is often bumpy, if you can hang on long enough you won’t regret the ride. You may not always like the characters or the things they do, but you’ll certainly understand them.Giveaway
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
REVIEW! ISLAND FOG by JOHN VANDERSLICE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on November 10, 2014
ISLAND FOG
Stories by John Vanderslice
ISBN: 978-1935084-41-9
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2014
BLURB
This thematic, novel-length collection of stories, is set on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Nantucket as we know it began as an English settlement relatively early in the colonial period of the United States. In the heyday of its nineteenth century success as a whaling center, the island, for being as small as it is, was quite the cosmopolitan center. Sailors from across the globe mingled with the mixed local population of descendents of the original English settlers, black Americans, and native Americans. Today too Nantucket is known as being especially open to visitors from around the world. When one travels there, one feels that one is no longer in the United States but in a culturally indistinct, in-between land, somehow equidistant from North America, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
REVIEW
Vanderslice has written an engrossing collection of stories that spans a little over 200 years. Set in Nantucket, the tales cover the darker side of the beautiful little island and its inhabitants. Bigotry, jealousy, betrayal, greed, religious indifference, and murder are just a few of the topics covered in this evocative novel.
The chronological order in which this is written makes it a bitter reminder that mankind has advanced in many ways, but there are some things that will never change. Believable, entertaining, and quite haunting is my best description. Great read!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
John Vanderslice hails from southern Maryland, specifically the eccentric community of Moyaone. After twelve years of Catholic schooling, and too many summers working as a lifeguard, he left the southern Maryland woods to attend the University of Virginia. In 1991, he received his MFA in the Poetry Writing program at George Mason University, where he studied under Peter Klappert and Susan Tichy and started teaching writing to college freshmen at GMU and Northern Virginia Community College-Annandale. In 1993, he entered the Ph.D program in the English Department at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. He is now an Associate Professor in the Department of Writing at UCA, teaching fiction writing, poetry writing, and nonfiction writing both to undergraduates and to graduate students in the new Arkansas Writers MFA Workshop. He also serves as associate editor of Toad Suck Review magazine. More than seventy of his stories, poems, essays, and one-act plays have appeared in literary journals and anthologies, including Seattle Review, Versal, Sou’wester, Laurel Review, Crazyhorse, The Pinch, Southern Humanities Review, 1966, Squalorly, Foliate Oak, Red Wheelbarrow, and Exquisite Corpse. Some of the anthologies are Redacted Story, Chick for a Day, The Best of the First Line: Editors’ Picks 2002-2006, and Tartts: Incisive Fiction from Emerging Writers.
AUTHOR LINKS
PUBLISHER
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