RELEASE DAY BLITZ & REVIEW: Apocalypse Five by Stacey Rourke

The Apocalypse Five

Archive of the Five Book One

Stacey Rourke

The end of the world is coming. How or when, scientists can’t agree upon. For decades, Earth’s best line of defense has been a team of young soldiers known as the Apocalypse Five, forced into virtual reality simulations to train for Doom’s Day. But, this is no game. Death on the grid is brutally final and calls up the next in a long line of cadets.

Stationed aboard the AT-1-NS Starship, the A5 are celebrities thrust into the limelight by a calling they didn’t choose. All it takes is one unscheduled mission, showing seventeen-year-old team leader Detroit a harsh and unfathomable reality, to shake the A5’s belief in all they thought they knew. After questioning people with the power to destroy them, the team is framed for a crime they didn’t commit and marked for death.

Now, the hunt is on. Can the Apocalypse Five expose the truth the starship would kill to keep hidden? Or, will their bravery end in a public execution?

"Fans of The Hunger Games will love this fresh dystopian thriller, featuring a band of instantly lovable characters that must fight together in a sci-fi twist, in and out of simulations for their freedom in reality." —BookTrib

Amazon  Goodreads

Have a pleasant Apocalypse.

Wow….This is completely different compared to what I am used to by this author, but her spunk and sass is encrypted within the pages of this awesome read.

The characters are phenomenal. I loved the fierceness of each character and the feelers that I felt as I read this story. Of course, I must say that Dee (Detroit) was my favorite character. She was a kick butt character who didn’t take names, but made sure that her number one priority was keeping everyone safe and using honking HUGE weaponry to do it too.

The story-line was incredible. This book was packed full of action and suspense that happened throughout the entire book. And the attention to details were so clear, I felt as if I was watching a movie in my mind. I even went to bed dreaming about the scenes that I read before I went to sleep. There were a lot of feelers within this book as well. Be prepared to be shocked, to cry and/or lash out at the author as you read this story. I very seldom act out out loud when I read, but this story gave me no choice. I gasped, whooped, hollered, fist pumped and snot cried. At one point in the book, I literally scared my cat right off the bed!! Rourke has for sure outdone herself again and has proven that she can write any genre that pops out of her mind!! I highly recommend this read. 

CAN I PLEASE HAVE BOOK 2?!?!?!?!

RELEASE DAY BLITZ W/REVIEW: The Acorn Tattoo by Alyse Miller

New Release from Alyse Miller ~ The Acorn Tattoo Anniversary Edition

The Acorn Tattoo  

Alyse Miller

Publisher: Siren Press 

Release Day - October 16, 2018

Cover design by Najla Qamber 

Edited by Vicky Burkholder 

Interior design layout by Rebecca Poole

99¢ for a limited time

Sometimes Neverland isn’t the place you go to stay young; it’s the place you leave to grow up.

Claire Baker is an orphan who has always been afraid to open her heart – that is, until she meets Jake Holland, the Boy with the Acorn Tattoo, who sweeps her off her feet with his ocean-timbered voice and sheepish Lost Boy grin. Consumed by their budding romance everything seems to be perfect for Claire, completely perfect --

– Except for Davie, Claire’s childhood friend who’s always held a corner of her heart – the dark, somber-eyed boy who has grown into a handsome, enigmatic man – and who has hooked himself so deeply inside of her she cannot escape him. When Davie professes his love in an unexpected burst of loosened passion, Claire finds herself torn between the two men: the one that’s stolen her heart and the one who’s held it all along.

Now, Claire must navigate through the purities and passions of love and accept the consequences of finally letting her heart take the lead.

“I think I—hic—love you.”

The words tumbled eagerly over Jake’s lips and spilled into the air like offbeat tap dancers, a graceful quintet momentarily tripped by an unexpected step. Jake grinned sheepishly and dipped his head, sending sandstorm blond locks tumbling across the deep hollow of his angled cheekbones. A second hiccup followed the first, and his head bobbed in tandem with the sound. Even with his face downcast, Claire could see the upturned curve of his lips pinched in his profile. He was grinning again.

Claire and Jake had finished their picnic of fresh fruits and cheese nearly an hour before. Afterward, when the wine was empty, they lounged together comfortably under the brilliant kaleidoscope colors of the changing fall leaves. Together, they watched the sky turn from robin’s egg blue to cornhusk yellow. Jake had fallen quiet, as he often did—his back propped lightly against the crackled white bark and his long, nimble fingers plucking at the blades of sun-warmed grass that brushed against his knee, as familiar as if they were the strings of his guitar. Claire lay on her back inside Jake’s shadow, staring past his grinning profile to the sky. It was a spectacularly beautiful day in the simplest of ways—the kind that seems to want for daydreaming. The kind of day that was made of the stuff of dreams itself.

Jake slid closer to settle on his side beside her and stacked one canvas-clad foot purposefully on top of the other. Then, as though he were sipping bravery from the wind, he inhaled a lungful of fragrant autumn air. He turned his face to hers, giving Claire the full view of chiseled cheekbones cut alongside wide lips and curved beneath uncertain brows and gleaming emerald eyes. A third hiccup shivered through the air, but Jake was quiet. It had been a sudden declaration and Claire’s breath caught in her throat. The tap dancers, still suspended, hovered patiently in the space between them.

Claire might have thought the wine had tempted fleeting romantic thoughts to recklessness. Silly words on wine-soaked lips often fluttered out into the realm of things said too soon, or too often. She would have thought that had they come from anyone else’s lips. But Jake was a man of few words. It was as if he cared for them so preciously that every uttered syllable was polished one at a time and strung together in a melody of perfectly chosen words. Jake was, like the day itself, beautiful and dreamlike and vaguely surreal.

As Claire studied Jake’s face, the lazy breeze yawned a tangle of silky hair across his forehead and buried one eye beneath the sandy desert of his hair. Without the paralyzing effect of both of his eyes locked on hers, Jake’s face was more tolerably handsome—only lightly skimming the edge of heart wrenching without plummeting over into the chasm of heartbreaking. He hiccupped again and inched closer, letting one arm slide across her waist so that his fingers found and then tugged playfully around a stray ribbon of her tousled red hair. His fingertips, surprisingly cool when they brushed against her skin, did not match the heat that pulsed through the sweetheart bodice of her pale yellow sundress where he lay against her. Claire felt her cheeks heat in rosy blooms despite herself. With Jake’s arms around her, his hands brushing across her skin, and eyes shining into hers, those five seemingly innocuous little words changed. They coiled and warmed into something deeper, thicker, and more masculine. Claire repeated them in her mind, words so delicious she could almost taste them. If it were possible, every inch of her body would turn as pink as her cheeks. If it were possible, she might be forever pink.

A new grin spread across Jake’s face, this one even wider than the first. It was coyer and more teasing than the hiccupping, bashful ones that had come before. The perpetual curiosity that occupied his emerald eyes sharpened. It grew more insistent and intense in the space between his breaths and her blushes. Matching pinprick dimples pressed into each of his cheeks—one right, one left. He had a way of looking simultaneously innocent and mischievous at the same time. He was irresistible, even when she didn’t want to resist.

“I mean,” Jake’s deep voice interrupted the quiet, stopped. He cleared his throat and propped himself up on one elbow. He pinned her effortlessly with those sparkling emerald eyes as his upper body towered over her. Claire was lucky she was lying on her back on the blanket of grass. Had she been standing she would have swooned to the ground in an instant. Jake hiccupped again, tucked his hair absently behind his ear, and kept grinning. One more blink and any residual bashfulness vanished from his eyes and his grin. “I mean, I love you.”

Claire turned from pink to red. If she could still her fluttering heart, she could speak. “Oh, don’t be silly,” she tried to sound playful, but her words came out breathless and rushed and desperate. “You’ve only had too much wine.” She wobbled her empty wineglass playfully at him as some kind of wishful proof. It clinked clumsily against the empty bottle, first a note too hard and then a note too soft.

“Nonsense, Claire Darling.” It was his nickname for her. Jake ignored the glass and lowered his face until it was close enough for Claire to see a tiny drop of honey billowing in a sea of brilliant green. Claire’s shadow stretched behind her as Jake leaned to cup her face gently in his hands. His deliberate movements were as smooth and graceful as silk. One warm hand slid to curl along the nape of her neck, the thumb resting lightly on the hummingbird beat of her pulse. The other still cupped on the curve of her cheek. Tiny fireworks sparked beneath her skin as Jake’s words closed the space between them.

“I’ve only had but a thimbleful,” he whispered onto the waiting petals of her lips.

And he kissed her.

BOOK TRAILER

WOW…..I have no words for this book at this time….

(Two days later)....It took me a couple of days to get my thoughts together and my mind wrapped around this story. This is for sure not your modern day Peter Pan Classic that we know from the children’s stories. It is so much more…

The characters were incredible. I loved reading about Clare and the choices she had to make and what path was the right one for her. Jake or Davie? Adventure or Real World? Pan or Hook? Such a tough choice it was to make but in the end she found her happily ever after. And if you wanna know what I am talking go purchase your copy of the book yourself and find out what Clare chose.

The story-line was phenomenal and unforgettable. I love a good fairy-tale remake and I fell in love with this magical story. Love is such a hard emotion to take in. Do you choose what your heart desires or do you follow what your head says? Whose heart do you break? Clare had to answer all of these hard questions and I felt as if I could connect with Clare and my heart broke for her and her decisions. Miller is a pure genius when she came up with this story. There was nothing fake to this story because it felt THAT real. Clare’s feelings just poured right off the pages of this story and hit me right in my heart and deep into my soul. It’s the most beautiful romance story that has kept a piece of my heart within its pages. This is one of my favorite fairy-tale remake of 2018 and I highly recommend it.

RE-RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Carved in Cherry by Elizabeth Kirke

Siren Press is thrilled to bring you the re-release of Carved in Cherry by Elizabeth Kirke.

Carved in Cherry 

Author: Elizabeth Kirke 

ISBN (ebook): 978-7324007-9-5 

ISBN (print): 978-1-7324007-5-7 

Release Date (ebook): August 28, 2018 

Release Date (print): September 25, 2018 ​

Cover By: Qamber Designs 

Interior Layout: EK Formating 

Edited By: There For You Editing Services 

Genre: Paranormal Romance

One thing set Lydia Shaw and her store apart from the other antique shops in town… Lydia’s collection was plagued by curses, and it was her duty to break them. Rachel, Angie, and Jo knew nothing about their aunt’s secret life. In fact, they didn’t even know she owned an antique shop, until they inherited it. Unfortunately for them, Lydia passed down more than just her store. The sisters are the proud new owners of countless deadly curses, buried under centuries of dust. Lydia also left behind her apprentice, Peter. He does everything he can to protect the girls, as they explore their new store, unaware of the dangers it hides. In spite of his efforts, Rachel finds herself obsessed with opening a strange trunk, Angie has vivid dreams, haunted by a man who claims he needs her help, and Jo’s imagination starts to run wild. When one of them falls victim to a curse, it’s up to Peter and her sisters to save her. But, if Peter can’t teach them to wield a magic, that he barely understands himself, she’ll be the first one to die. Rachel, Angie, and Jo didn’t expect to inherit an antique shop. When strange things start happening, their aunt’s apprentice, Peter is forced to tell them the truth: their aunt was a rune-caster. They don’t want to take over her work, but when Rachel is cursed they have no choice. Now Peter must teach them how to break curses before it kills her.

BUY LINKS

Amazon : B&N : Kobo : iBooks 

ENTER TO WIN A FREE E-BOOK OF CARVED IN CHERRY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Elizabeth Kirke loves to travel, but calls Northern Virginia home. She lives there with her husband, two sons, and a hound-mutt who thinks he’s a cat. When she’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, gardening, and baking. Her dream is to spot a total stranger somewhere reading one of her books.

Website/Blog : Facebook : Twitter 

Before I dived into this story, I really wasn't sure what I was getting into at first, but because I have read other books by this author, I had a really good feeling that it was full of Paranormal and that I would love it. 

The characters were phenomenal. I was completely reeled in by the characters in this story. I wanted to know more about the characters and what their parts were in the story and how they all fit in. I felt so bad for Jo though. I made a connection with her and just knew how she felt within this story.

The story-line was incredible. I was enchanted by the mystery and magic that flowed off the pages of this story. I also figured out how the title fit in the story too. Kirke has a way of making us think things through as she begins to unfold the important parts of the story and she magically made it happen in this one. This story has left me shocked and in awe but in a good way and I also never saw the ending coming. I must also add that I hate cliffhangers and this cliffhanger has left me with questions and pondering what MIGHT happen next and if my theories are correct. I desperately NEED book two now and I hope that I don't have to wait too long for it!! This book is very addicting and intriguing and I highly recommend it!!

  

www.sirenpresspublishing.com

Join our Fan Club

Subscribe to our Newsletter

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Slumber by Christy Sloat

I am so excited that SLUMBER by Christy Sloat is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Christy Sloat, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a finished copy of the book courtesy or Christy. and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

SLUMBER 

(Slumber Duology #1)

Author: Christy Sloat

Pub. Date: January 12, 2018

Publisher: CHBB Publishing

Pages: 234

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, Goodreads

Not all princesses get their happily ever after...

They tell me I killed my boyfriend Phillip in cold blood. I stabbed him twenty one times. I’m only seventeen years old, and I am serving life in Spindle Ridge Asylum for the Criminally Insane.

I don’t remember killing him, so it’s really hard to believe I’m capable of murder. In fact I don’t remember anything before I came to Spindle Ridge, not even my boyfriend.

I can only grasp onto my realistic dreams while the madness of the asylum threatens to pull me under. I dream I’m a beautiful princess and there is an evil faerie named Maleficent who is bent on my destruction. The dreams are the closest thing I have to memories of my life, except they aren’t real.

I’m crazy. I’m not a princess.

They’re the mad illusions of an irrational teenage girl, right?

They’ve assigned me a new doctor, and she says I can trust her, and that she’ll help me see the truth of who I really am.

When she arrived she brought a new patient, Sawyer, who is everything Spindle Ridge isn’t: exciting, mysterious and beautiful. He promises he’s here to rescue me. Trusting either of them frightens me.

Could it be possible that my dreams are more than just the imaginings of a delusional girl? Could they be truth?

Excerpt:

I woke in the middle of the night hearing screams fill the air. This was not uncommon at all, but tonight I wasn’t expecting it. Normally when Adele’s meds are changed, she wakes screaming that she can’t sleep. Adele’s room is across from mine. She is roughly in her twenties and I never learned how she ended up here. I try not to talk to the other patients. I don’t know why it is, but I don’t fit in with these people. To them I’m the murderer and they tend to think less of me. That’s fine. I am what they say I am. That’s why I’m here, right?

They told me I stabbed my boyfriend, Phillip, but I don’t remember doing it. I actually don’t remember Phillip at all. No recollection of having been in a relationship either. I must have killed him or else I wouldn’t be in Spindle Ridge.

Dr. Altman says that I have to believe that I did it or we will never get anywhere. I’ll admit it’s hard to believe that these hands could stab a person twenty times. No matter how I imagined it, it is always hard to believe. 

I sat up listening hard for the screams. When they came again I noticed they were not female, they were male. The screams were deeper and reached a longer distance than Adele’s cries ever could. I wondered if the whole building could hear him.

I pulled my covers up over my neck and covered my face. I just wanted to sleep and fall back into the dream I was having. It was beautiful, and if I had my way, I would stay there forever.

Wait!

I sat up fast. Closing my eyes, I tried to remember the dream to the last second. It wasn’t the same dream as the one’s prior. This dream was different! This dream was me and a boy.

I never dreamt of anyone but my parents and the evil woman. The dream’s soft lullaby came back to me as I remembered where I was.

The smell of fresh grass came across my senses.

The sky so blue as I lay on a blanket. I rolled over and saw the face of a boy. He was everything that Spindle Ridge wasn’t; he was beautiful. He had long, shaggy, but not unruly, hair that touched his collar. When he smiled at me, he looked like a boy in love. In love with me.

“Get up you lazy sack!”

I opened my eyes and was pulled back into the now. I was forced to leave the dream behind as I was being pulled out of bed by two nurses.

About Christy: 

I am Southern California native, now living in New Jersey! How did that happen? I am married and have  two beautiful little girls who love to read just like Mommy. I have had a passion for books since I was a little girl and an imagination for just as long. I hope my books can inspire others to read and to write too.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of SLUMBER US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not all princesses get their happily ever after... 

WOW...I am really quite speechless about this book and blown away at the same time...

What an amazing twist on an old fairy-tale. This book is nothing like the original Sleeping Beauty, this is Sleeping Beauty meets Grimm. It's fast paced and extremely addicting with its dark, twisted, and phenomenally well written words that just jump out at you and pull you in from the first page. It's an overall spectacular read and one I will read over and over again.

I love how the author pulls you in at the beginning and throws you for a slight tailspin and roller-coaster ride. Rory is a phenomenal character. She is naive yet strong willed. I love how her grows throughout the story. The plot itself is mystical and magical all at the same time, which brings forth the darkness in this story. I love how the spun this story in her own fashion and made me fall in love with the story. This is by far an incredible twist that will be known of forever. I am really excited to read the next installment in this Duology. 

COVER REVEAL: The Rising Series by Holly Kelly

A NEW LOOK...

The Rising Series by Holly Kelly gets a makeover and a boxed set! What do you do when an all time best-selling paranormal romance book nears it's third birthday? Give the cover a gorgeous makeover and add in the perfect bonus scene. Tell us what you think of the new cover and then be sure to pre-order the boxed set that has a new bonus scene today. For readers who haven't tried this series yet, Rising is currently free.

A NEW BOOK...

THE RISING SERIES BOXED SET (DECEMBER 12, 2017)

Pre-order today on AMAZON (More retailers coming soon.)

A magical underwater realm awaits! Own books 1-3 of the Best-Selling Rising series by acclaimed author Holly Kelly.

This value-priced box set includes the first three novels in the best-selling Rising series: Rising (with an exclusive bonus scene), Descending, and Avenging. Beautifully packaged with brilliant new cover art, this set is perfect for any fan of Greek Mythology and Mermaid Romance stories. Order the Rising series today and submerge yourself in an underwater world full of passion, romance, intrigue and adventure.

Start Reading RISING today for FREE!

AMAZON / NOOK / iBOOKS / KOBO / GOOGLEPLAY

In a war between the humans and the inhabitants of the sea—humans will lose. Xanthus Dimitriou—the most lethal Dagonian to rise from the ocean—is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. There's just one thing standing in his way: the life of a beautiful young woman…

ABOUT HOLLY KELLY:

Holly Kelly is a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--she hides in the bathroom with her laptop and locks the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls. She was born in Utah but moved around a bit, living in Kansas, Texas, and Hawaii where she studied marine biology. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". She's married to a wonderful husband, James, and they are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (of course), martial arts, visual arts, creating Halloween props, and spending time with family.

Follow the author at her Website

AUTHOR INTERVIEW & REVIEW: Marcy Farmer

Welcome to Black Words-White Pages and this week, we are featuring Author Macy Farmer and there is a slight surprise at the end with a review. Today, we will be learning a bit about this author and learning some facts that we have never known about this author. Ready to meet the Author? Let's go meet the Author.....

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made you decide to go that route?

About five years ago I gave the first four chapters of my first book to a publisher. After reading it he ‘advised’ me as to how the book should end. Told me what I should write, wanted me to change when Seager and Natalia met etcetera.

Confused I asked if he wanted to read the remainder of the book. He proceeded to tell me no, that he knew what would and would not sell.

Since he does it for a living I agreed that he probably did know more than I and added that I wasn’t interested in publishing his book, that I was interested in publishing mine.

It was insulting that he was telling me how to write my story without even reading the entire book.  

At the time I was in a book club. I expressed my outrage. They all said it was standard and suggested that I self publish. So with Book Rhythm’s help I am self publishing my books.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Writing a book is easy, just let your imagination go and trust your characters. Editing, marketing and selling… I was very surprised to learn how difficult it has been over the years. WoW

Do you have a particular writing habit??

Music must be playing in the background. It sets the mood. Just give me some alone time with my laptop, music in the background and my thesaurus, and I’m all set.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Too many great writers to choose just one.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

DC Renee. I’ve read all her books, except for her newest release. Enjoy every one of them and highly recommend that you check her out.

What is the hardest part of your writing?

Editing and revising. Wish I could just snap my fingers and the necessary changes are completed. *laughs *

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write. Every day, write. Never give up. Ever.

Describe yourself in three words.

Humble, appreciative, and grateful

I know characters are like children but if you could chose, who’s your favorite from your books?

Seager from The Magic of Black Forest Series. My favorite. He’s Natalia’s best friend, a white wolf/shepard mix. She rescued he from a local shelter and they have been inseparable.

Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

I let the characters tell the story. So, basically, when they don’t feel like talking, I got nothing. *laughs *

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

Too many to count or mention here. Every book I’ve read has influenced me one way or another. Whether it be the plot, characters, punctuation or grammar, good or bad, every author has taught and influenced my writing.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Right now I’m focusing on releasing Awakening and answering your questions.

I’m researching for a variety of ways to market both Dreamlike and Awakening. Afterwards, I’ll focus on editing and revising book 3 of the series, Fate.

Awakening:

The Magic of Black Forest series continues with Awakening.

To protect Natalia, Bradley accepts his fate when he awakens the one thing he’s spent his entire life fighting to control.

A plan to defeat their enemies has been set in motion when Bradley puts Natalia into hiding with a trusted friend. While Bradley hunts down their enemies the man he trusted to protect the love of his life makes a move to win Natalia’s heart.

The deception continues when Bradley’s ex-lover shows up for dinner. And food is not on her menu, Bradley is.

But it’s not their enemies that will drive Natalia away from Bradley. It’s his broken promises.

Will Natalia and Bradley say "I do," or will their enemies tear them apart?

Fate:

After defeating their enemies, Natalia and Bradley thought their lives would get easier. They quickly learn that nothing is easy with Margaret, Bradley’s evil ex-girlfriend, around. Tormenting them every chance she gets, Margaret is hell-bent on getting her ex-lover back, at any cost.

Bradley’s worst fears come true when Margaret takes away his reason for living.

Death and a life altering change will put Bradley’s love for Natalia to the test.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, Macy!! I have had fun picking your brain and learning some new things about you!!

AND NOW A SURPRISE FOR THE AUTHOR....

MY REVIEW OF AWAKENING

HAPPY RELEASE DAY, MACY FARMER!!!

Natalia and Bradley are faced with deception and betrayal by friends and family. 

To protect Natalia, Bradley accepts his fate when he awakens the one thing he’s spent his entire life fighting to control, the vampire within. 

A plan to defeat their enemies has been set in motion when Bradley puts Natalia into hiding with a trusted friend. While Bradley hunts their enemies down the man he trusted to protect Natalia makes a move to win her heart. 

Deception and broken promises force Natalia to leave the man she has dreamt about her entire life.

WOW, this book was full of all kinds of awesomeness. I love this author's writing style. This author has a way with words that will keep you turning the page from beginning to end. The characters are phenomenal and I felt as if I was part of the action and suspense throughout the entire story. I was just as worried as Natalia was and rooting for Bradley. So much happened in this story, but I feel as if this one is by far my favorite of the two so far. I loved the strength that Natalia had in the story. Sure, she was worried and naive but who isn't. Bradley has more strength than anyone I have ever seen before. He is so gentle and yet extremely overprotective of Natalia. These two characters were so made for each other in this life and passed lives. This is a beautiful story with some twists and turns, but I feel that it is a remarkable read and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

BookRhythm provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.