Journey with Books: Givaway

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Jun 11, 2014

Book Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani

Unknown June 11, 2014 1 Comments

Title: The Luthier's Apprentice
Author: Mayra Calvani
Publication Date: May 10, 2014
Genre: Teen and Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Twilight Times Books

Blurb:

A Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumoured 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...

Kayla's Thoughts:

After the sudden disappearance of her violin instructor and mentor from a locked room, Emma, a very talented musician, begins an investigation that will reveal family secrets she never thought existed. Secrets that involve her grandfather's unmatchable talent as a luthier, a strange locked room she is never allowed to go in, and a famous violinist from the 1800s who disappeared over 100 years ago. It will also reveal a magical inheritance that she will have to learn to control.

She will find allies to help her in her quest for answers. One in the form of her best friend, Annika, who is like a sister to her. And the other in the form of yet another of her instructor's students, Corey, a boy who almost rivals her own love of Sherlock Holmes stories and has an enviable memory.But Corey also has his own family secrets that will come to light. Ones that involve his father's death and the disappearance of an old family pet.

A whole other world will be discovered. One led by a very powerful sorceress bent on ridding the world of male violinists and allowing female violinists to reign supreme. Can they stop her in time to save their beloved instructor, and his fellow prisoners in her world, or will their attempts be futile?

I love YA books, sometimes more so than adult books. And, being an adult, I have no embarrassment whatsoever in saying this. Mainly because YA books have a certain quality to them that you just do not see in adult books. Or at least most of the time, anyway. And being the book connoisseur that I am, I am always on the lookout for something fresh and different. And this book is definitely different, but in a very good way.

Disappearing violinists, a pact made years ago, magical singing trees, and a pair of Sherlockians who are definitely after my own heart. What more could you want in a book? Not much, in my opinion.

This book was beautiful. Especially when the world in which the sorceress lives was revealed. Violins are so graceful instruments, and that is definitely how this story felt.

Verdict:

I can honestly say that I was definitely trying to find anything at all to critique about this book. But, much to my very pleasant surprise, I could not find one thing. I absolutely loved it, and was very excited hear that this will only be the beginning for Emma. This book was wonderfully written and had such musicality to it. And not just because it had music in it. It read very easily and I definitely would read it again...and again and again.

And P.S...the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!

Links for Book:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author's Bio:

Award-winning author Mayra Calvani has penned over ten books for children and adults in genres ranging from picture books to nonfiction to paranormal fantasy novels. She's had over 300 articles, short stories, interviews and reviews published in magazines such as The Writer, Writer's Journal and Bloomsbury Review, among others. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she now resides in Brussels, Belgium.

Links for Author:

Facebook Fan Page / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May 14, 2014

Book Tour: Giveaway and Review: Lover, Divine (Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1) by A. Star

Unknown May 14, 2014 0 Comments

Title: Lover, Divine (Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1)
Author: A. Star
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Adult Mythology Romance
Published by: Self-Published
Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Blurb:

For fans of the Oracle of Delphi series...and for those who aren't...

Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam's divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan's heart forever.

Kayla's Thoughts:

WHEW!! This book is hotter than the God Apollo himself, if I do say so. It contained some steamy scenes that must surely need a warning label. But besides that, it had some wonderfully written characters that had so much depth to them. Not just our two lovers, the main characters, Liam and Siobhan, but the rest of the characters had a pull to them that made me just want to know more about each and every one. More specifically...Siobhan's friend, Vicky.

Okay, so for those of you reading this review and considering whether or not to read the book, let me explain a little about Vicky. Everyone has that friend, you know, the one who is crude and rude and speaks their mind with no thought of what is actually coming out. Or maybe they know what they are saying, it is just a matter of not really caring what people might think because that is just who they are. The friend that you would love to death no matter what they did, because there is just something about them that makes your day. That is Vicky. She has got to be my most favouritest character in this ENTIRE book. Besides Liam and Siobhan themselves. She made me laugh so many times, even when things were getting a bit more serious near the end, and I could tell that she would do anything for Siobhan, even if it meant risking her own life.

Also, I have to say that I love any book that starts out with music. Being a musician myself I can appreciate the whole orchestral aspect to the story. I love the Liam and Siobhan initially kind of bond over their shared love for music, even if Siobhan would scoff at this comment. It just kind of makes them seem more right for each other.

I totally cannot wait for the second book in this series, because there is more in store. That totally gives me chills saying it...SECOND BOOK! Ah! I am kind of freaking out right now, because I cannot wait until the second book comes out!!!

Verdict:

Read this!! It will definitely make your day, or night, or midafternoon, or whenever you decide to pick it up. I absolutely adore this author now and am immediately going to go and pick up the Oracles of Delphi series...like right now...BYE!!

Links for Book:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Goodreads

Author's Bio:

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She likes to read it, and she damn sure likes to write it. Her first adult romance/fantasy novella is called Invasion, an alien romance about sacrifice. Lover, Divine is the first release from the Mythos: Gods and Lovers series. Future releases under A. Star include King, Desired (Mythos: Gods and Lovers #2), the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.

Links for Author:

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

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Oct 26, 2013

Book Blast: Excerpt and Giveaway: Just One Week by Stacey Lynn

Unknown October 26, 2013 0 Comments

Hi everyone! Journey with Books is featuring Just One Week by Stacey Lynn. You'll get a little peek on what's this book is all about. Plus there's a giveaway at the bottom of this post, so just have fun and read on!

Title: Just One Week (Just One Song #2)
Author: Stacey Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: October 24, 2013
Cover Designed By: Cover It Designs
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Book Blurb:

Two years ago, Mia had everything she thought she wanted. She loved her job, and her best friend Nicole was finally recovering from losing her family in a car accident. When they met rock star Zack Walters and given backstage pages for his concert in their hometown of Minneapolis, Mia had no idea she would get involved with the band’s drummer, Chase Harper. It was simple, fun, and exactly what Mia liked best – no strings attached.

Then Chase decided to change the rules and Mia did what she’s always done best: she ran.Now she’s on her way to Los Angeles to help Nicole get ready for her wedding to Zack. The one thing she’s not looking forward to is seeing Chase again. With his sculpted muscles, strong hands and dark gray eyes that seem to know everything she’s thinking – Chase has the ability to make her forget. He also has the power to make her feel, something Mia refuses to let happen.

When everything around Mia’s life begins to crumble, and she keeps all of her secrets tucked close and hidden away, Chase is the one who steps in to help.Because he has decided that he isn't letting her go again. Not until she finally admits she’s his.

Note: Book can be read as a standalone as these are spin-off characters from Just One Song.

Book Excerpt:

“You have a massage in one hour,” I remind her with a raised eyebrow. Her eyes slowly open and the smoky color in her blue eyes clears.

“Wha….”

I chuckle softly. It takes every ounce of self-control not to take her. How can one kiss turn both

of so completely inside out like this?

“A massage. In one hour.” And then I smirk. “Unless you want me to take care of it for you.” I run my hands slowly down her throat, across her collar bone, and down her sides until I reach the edge of her short t-shirt that I want removed. Immediately. I play with the hem with my fingers and firmly grasp her thighs, squeezing the backs of them until my hands are cupping her perfect ass.

She jumps when I pinch each ass cheek, pushing me away. I throw my hands up innocently as she laughs just once. It’s the first smile I’ve gotten out of her since we stepped out of the plane. It’s progress and I’ll take it.

“You’re a tool.”

I place both hands on my hips, my feet shoulder-width apart, and watch her eyes fall to my erection that’s pressed so hard against my boxers I’m surprised it hasn't popped out yet. When she’s looking, I wiggle my hips once. “We both know you like my tool.”

Her cheeks flush bright pink and she turns away, but she’s still smiling and laughing so I consider my work done for the morning.

Add to Goodreads

About the Author

Stacey Lynn left her workplace in a cube farm at an insurance company, as soon as her first child

was born and

has never once looked back.

Years – and four kids later – she rediscovered her love of reading in an effort to find a brief escape from the

mountains of laundry, dust balls, and dishes. Reading turned into her daydreaming, and soon…an idea was

born. Once the story became loud enough that she couldn’t ignore it any longer, she put down her Kindle

(briefly!) and began her work on Just One Song.

Stacey loves hearing from readers.

Connect with Stacey:

Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway:

Open to international.

$25 Amazon gift card, $10 Amazon gift card, 3 ebook copies of Just One Week

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oct 16, 2013

Book Blast and Giveaway: Loving Her by CM Hutton

Unknown October 16, 2013 0 Comments

Loving Her by CM Hutton
Expected publication: October 15th, 2013
Adult contemporary romance

Boring, but completely gorgeous. That was my first impression of him. My next two thoughts were ‘pompous ass’ and ‘cocky jerk.’ And, I had the glorious pleasure of sharing a table with him for the entire night. He didn’t speak, didn’t grunt….he just nodded and stared. If I weren’t taking my bosses place at this dinner, I’d have found another place to sit and escape Rylan Daniels.

‘Absolutely beautiful’ was what I thought when I found her at my table at the Ad Execs quarterly dinner. She wore a black strapless dress and exuded confidence from every part of her. I nodded to her, but didn’t speak. I really didn’t have much to say anyway.

I couldn’t quit staring and had to excuse myself at one point to stand across the room and watch her. It was a strange, unwelcome feeling I was having about this stunning woman.

It had been five years….five years since Kristen…..and I still couldn’t move on. That kind of hurt you just don’t get over so easily and I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to get over it. But, here I was, completely intrigued and unable to stop thinking about Jen Bailey.

Jen

“I need to kiss you. May I?” Oh, dear lord. Those words did funny things to me.

A slow smile crept across my face and he had one to match. “Yeah.” I whispered as he leaned in and ever so gently swept his lips across mine. It was the sweetest, softest kiss and I wanted more, but he pulled his head back and whispered “Thank you” then quickly turned me around to face out to the crowd leaving my waist locked in this arms.

Rylan

Jen Bailey looked just as beautiful as she did at dinner last night, but instead of a fancy dress, she was in jeans….’sexy as hell’ jeans. I let my eyes roam her body since she had no idea I was looking at her. Her long blonde hair was not as smooth as it was last night. It was a little messy and looked good. She was curvy where it mattered and not too thin. Pretty damn perfect, actually.

I leaned against the bar and sipped my drink. I hadn’t really noticed anyone but her until I saw none other than Jack Woods walking right behind her with his hand on her back. Damn.

I'm a wife, a mom of three, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend and a teacher. Now I can add writer to my list! I've always loved to write and finally found the inspiration and support to put my first novel on display for others to read.

I live near Austin, Texas with my family where I teach school and run around like crazy taking care of my crew. I absolutely love to read and tend to totally ignore my 'near and dear' when I'm lost in a good book. Put me on a beach somewhere with a great story and the whole world just disappears around me.

Loving Her is my second novel. I'm working hard to continually improve my writing; hoping to make my stories better, my characters more loveable and my fans proud!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads