Thursday, February 27, 2014

Cover Reveal: The Soul Healer by Melissa Giorgio

Today, I'm excited to share with you the cover to The Soul Healer, book two in the Silver Moon Saga by Melissa Giogio. 



THE SOUL HEALER
book two in the Silver Moon Saga
Coming April 11, 2014

Synposis:
It’s been two months since Gabi Harkins first learned of demons and the mysterious hunters who battle them. After discovering a few unbelievable surprises about herself, she simply wants to settle into a normal routine that involves dating her boyfriend Rafe Fitzgerald, hanging out with her friends, and eating lots of dessert. But when her peaceful life is destroyed by the ultimate of betrayals, Gabi must rely on her wits—and a few new crazy friends—to survive her hardest challenges yet.

The sequel to The Sight Seer combines action, romance, and a healthy dose of humor as Gabi struggles to learn the truth about the secrets that surround her life.

Click here to add The Soul Healer Blurb to your TBR list on Goodreads






Don't miss book one in the series! The Sight Seer on Kindle.








About the author:
Melissa Giorgio is a native New Yorker who graduated from Queens College with a degree in English. She's always dreamed of being a writer and has been creating stories (mostly in her head) since she was a little girl. Also an avid reader, Melissa loves to devour thick YA novels. When not reading or writing, she enjoys watching animated films, listening to music by her favorite Japanese boy band, or exploring Manhattan.

For more news about Melissa and her books, follow her on Facebook or stop by her Website.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Miscellaneous musings: Is it common, or just something you know?


And now onto today's post...

Being a writer has made me realize some things I thought were common really aren't. For instance, I had thought everyone knew what it meant to “have the TV watch you”, and it wasn't until I penned my first novel that I realized “anyways” was mid-western slang and most people said “anyway” without the “s”. (Just in case someone reading this doesn't know, the first is when you fall asleep in front of the television and now the television is watching you, instead of you watching it.)

And I chuckled when one of my CPs commented that my character drying the sink after washing dishes was an odd thing to do. My mom always dried the sink. Therefore I do, too. My character, however, ended up leaving it to air dry. (The horror! J )

Another saying that I've gotten so used to is “soup sandwich”. My husband will say this when someone (usually me) is doing thing out of order or is all over the place. I’d gotten so used to the saying that I said it to a group of friends only to have them pause and ask me what I’d just said. Hubby has a few saying like this. I really should borrow them for my books.

This is one of the reason I love my critique partners, beta readers, and editors. If I put something in my novels that makes them stop reading, I know I either have to find a way to nonchalantly explain it or I need to change my wording.

Have you discovered that some of the things you do or say aren't as common as you thought? 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Spotlight: CassaStar Series by Alex J. Cavanaugh

I'm thrilled to be spotlighting Alex J. Cavanaugh on my blog today. Like so many other authors, I met Alex on-line. He's not only a wonderful author, he's a great guy. His space opera series is an Amazon Best Seller. From amazing stories, to eye-catching covers, and entertaining book trailers, this is one series you don't want to miss.

CassaStorm (book 3)
By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.”
– Edi’s Book Lighhouse

"Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together."
- Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$3.99 EBook available in all formats



Find CassaStorm:


And don't miss the rest of the books in the series!


CassaFire (Book 2)


Amazon Best Seller!

6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 $2.99

CassaStar was only the beginning… 

“This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal



Find CassaFire:


CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh – Amazon Best Seller!
6x9 Trade paperback, 246 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8 $2.99
Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YBjQve00U

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal



Find CassaStar:

I hope you enjoyed the trailers as much as I did! 

About the author:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Connect with Alex

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Time to Vote! Pick my new Street Team Badge

My Street Team has a new name. Now I need a new badge, and I'd love to get your thoughts! Vote for your favorite design below. 

Not a member of the street team? That's easy to fix! Just fill out the form at the bottom of this post.

Option 1


Option 2


Place your vote:

Thank you for your interest in Colyer’s Clan—a group of readers who are excited about my books and who want to spread the word about upcoming events and releases. I would be honored if you joined my street team. Click here for more information.



Scroll down to see complete form.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Cover reveal: CHALLENGING DESTINY by Cherie Colyer

Look what I recently received in my inbox! I've been dying to share more details about my newest novel, and what better way than to start than with the cover reveal. My cover artist from the Wild Rose Press, Debbie Taylor, did an amazing job. Don't you think?


CHALLENGING DESTINY
Coming spring 2014 from the Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint

Being Chosen is a terrible thing when there's no one you can trust

Synposis:
Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons.

Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana.

Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity.

Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?

Follow me to get the latest updates on this exciting new title!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Feature Friday: Miki with Lecture toute une Aventure


I recently found Miki’s blog and I’m glad I did. I’m even more thrilled that she agreed to be featured on my blog. 


For those of us who need a little help with our French, Miki’s blog translate to:
Reading an Adventure
because reading allows you to dream, discover, marvel …

I love that. J

Without further ado, let’s get to know her.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?
Miki: I was following several blogs and I really enjoyed the book blogging community, I admired it.  Since I have really a few people who love to read around me, I thought that I could try to share my opinion online like those I admired.

Cherie: That’s a great reason to start blogging. How did you come up with the name for your blog?
Miki: When I read a book, if I really enjoy it, I get so immersed that I’m in the story. For someone who prefers to stay inside, it’s a wonderful way to escape. There are so many adventures to be lived. I wanted to show how rich a book can be and how much it can offer to the readers, reading can be fun!
It’s also a little reference to the roleplaying club I’m in “Adventures’Club”

Cherie: I’m a lot like you in that I love to get swept into new adventures. What’s your favorite part about blogging?
Miki: The community, I love how the readers/ bloggers are attentive to others and how they go on their way to help when needed. I’ve made some great friends with whom I have so much in common that gets frightening^^

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?
Miki: Not really when I start a book I have to finish it, but I won’t deliberately take a book where the character sleeps around for example.

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?
Miki: Urban fantasy, paranormal mostly but also some steampunk, fantasy, YA and romantic suspense (yes I do read a lot of different genres^^;;)

Cherie: Variety is always good. Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?
Miki: No, I don’t like when they modify characters to fit the audience wishes or changes important elements. (I was so disappointed with Faramir that wasn’t a paladin anymore and wanted the ring.)

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?
Miki: Mercy Thompson from the series by Patricia Briggs. I would love to meet the werewolves and the friendly fae. Also to speak with some ghosts, and I would have Adam to protect me which is a great bonus. Being able to shift into an animal without any pain and at will is also tempting.

Cherie: I’m going to have to check out her books. Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? Then end

Who’s your favorite book dad? Adam Hauptman

Secret crush? Shessomaru

Do you believe in love at first sight? Attraction yes, love no (it needs time)

Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? Not yet

Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?  I can’t answer

If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? USA, to attend the BEA

Are you a morning person or an evening person? neither

Favorite author? Patricia Briggs, Suzanne Johnson

Favorite place to read? My mother’s bed, by the window

Favorite classic? Quo Vadis? by Henryk Sienkiewicz / Bilbo the Hobbit by Tolkien

What book are you the most excited to read? Pirate’s alley by Suzanne johnson

Are there any types of books you don’t read? Dark Horror and LGTB

Do you have any hobbies? Crafting, creating gifts

It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from? Bones from the night huntress series by Jeaniene Frost


I want to come to your birthday party! Bones is one of my favorite characters. Do you think we can get Cat to share him?

Miki, thanks for being here today!

Connect with Miki


Sunday, February 9, 2014

I *Heart* Swag Giveaway


Welcome to my stop on the I *Heart* Swag Giveaway Hop hosted by Kelsey Ketch. This hop is all about the swag, so I'm giving away an Embrace Series book bag, official hemp bracelet, and book marks.

Here's what you could win...


Before we get to the Rafflecopter form, I thought I'd share a little teaser from each book...



You can discover the magic of the Embrace series for yourself.
EMBRACE  just 99 cents on Kindle or Nook
HOLD TIGHT on Kindle or Nook

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Cover Reveal: Eastland by Marian Cheatham

Check out the cover to Marian Cheatham's book Eastland. It's spooky and beautiful at the same time.


Eastland
by Marian Cheatham
Release Date: 02/14/14


Book Summary:
WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE FOR JUST ONE DAY OF FREEDOM?

For hardworking teen, Dee Pageau, the annual employee picnic will let her escape the drudgery of work and possibly find love with her best friend Mae’s older brother, Karel. But in 1915 Chicago, girls don’t go on picnics without their mother’s approval. 

Unfortunately for Dee, Mama has had a premonition of disaster and forbids Dee from going. Forced to watch as Mae and Karel leave without her, Dee defies Mama and rushes off to join her friends. 

But Dee’s joy soon turns to terror when the ship ferrying them to the picnic capsizes. Rescued not once but twice-by Karel and a mysterious sailor-Dee finds herself tested in unimaginable ways. What happens next turns out to be worse … and better … than anything Dee ever expected.

About the Author:
Marian Cheatham lives in a suburb of Chicago with her family and their menagerie of pets. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Marian taught Special Education for many years before becoming a full-time writer. 

Author Links:
 photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png  photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png  photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Friday, February 7, 2014

Feature Friday: Brooke with The Cover Contessa


The Cover Contessa is a wonderful blog to visit to discover new books. From informative reviews to author interviews, you’re sure to find something you like. Today, I’m turning the tables and interviewing Brooke, the blogger behind the blog.


Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?
Brooke: When I jumped back into reading a few years back, a friend introduced me to Goodreads. I saw that many people on there were blogging about their book reviews and decided it might be nice to share that with the world. Thus, The Cover Contessa was born!

Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog?
Brooke: I love book covers. So I knew I wanted to use that word in the title. And I knew I wanted to portray myself as queen of books or something of that sort. But I have this thing about the word having the same first letter as cover. So I googled words that were similar to queen but starting with a C, and The Cover Contessa it was!

Cherie: I love how much thought went into the name of your blog. J What’s your favorite part about blogging?
Brooke: Everything: the books, the reviews, the authors, the publishers, the interviews, the promotions, the book blast, the blog tours, and just about anything that has to do with books!

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?
Brooke: Info-dump. I can’t stand it. I don’t want info-dump. Much of the time this comes in the form of excessive narration. I want some dialogue. I want to see the characters myself, not be told about them! Show me what’s going on, don’t tell me!

Cherie: I agree! What type of books do you enjoy?
Brooke: I read middle grade and young adult for the most part. Pretty much any sub-genre, although I’m not a huge fan of contemporary, though there are a few I like a lot. Mostly I read paranormal, fantasy, science fiction and dystopian.

Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?
Brooke: I don’t mind it if it’s done originally. So take the idea (such as a retelling) but make sure you give me twists and turns and have it be different from any of the other stories I’ve read that might be like it. Otherwise I’m going to be bored and put it down!

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?
Brooke: Sometimes. I read books before I see the movie. I understand that the entire book can’t really be captured in the movie, but I need to see the main points. And I want to see it as it is in the book, not changed because someone thinks it will make more money. I want it to stay real and true to the book. Twists that don’t happen in the book will make me mad.

Cherie: Are there any types of books you don’t read?
Brooke: I’m not much for erotica, although I have read a bit of it. And I don’t read non-fiction. I read to get away, to be taken to another world, non-fiction can’t do that for me!

Cherie: Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? 25%, then I’m done.

Who’s your favorite book mom? Clary’s mom Jocelyn from The Mortal Instruments.

Who’s your favorite  book dad? Honestly, I can’t really think of one that I love.

Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.) Not such a secret: Kellen Lutz

Do you believe in love at first sight? ABSOLUTELY!

Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? I have, and now I’m married to him!

Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy? I would say mostly the bad guy.

What’s the first thing you notice about a guy? Eyes and voice.

If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? Australia or Hawaii

Are you a morning person or an evening person? Morning

Favorite author? Just one? Impossible! Here are some: Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katie Mcgarry, Christine Fonseca, Emi Gayle, Marissa Meyer, Lauren DeStefano, the list could go on and on!

Yeah, I know that last question wasn’t fair. Favorite place to read? Anywhere I can sit with a book or my Kindle (or even my phone)

Favorite classic? I love Shakespear. The Taming of the Shrew is my favorite.

What book are you the most excited to read? So many to name, but right  now I’m jumping into an ARC of Cress and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! I also am looking forward to Opposition the final book in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series.

Do you have any hobbies? Besides reading? Um…no…LOL!

What book would make a great movie? The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved? Oh my, people will hate me, but I’m not a lover of the Covenant Series covers. They are ok for me, but kind of boring.

It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from? Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Calre.

If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why? Tessa from The Infernal Decvices, because she gets to be with Will of course!

Brooke, thanks for being here today!


Connect with Brooke at The Cover Contessa