Mountain of Flame (Gems of Fire #3)
By Diane E. Samson Young Adult Fantasy Paperback & ebook, 450 Pages August 4, 2021 by Diane E. Samson BOOK DESCRIPTION: Reeling from Jack becoming king of Oclen, Princess Anna returns home as Sunderland’s Defender. Earning her title was a hard-fought honor, but Anna can’t escape the guilt of leaving Jack alone in that cursed, starving place. When Jack comes to Sunderland seeking aid from Anna’s father, she must decide whether to return with him and help defeat the curse plaguing the cold northern land. If she remains Sunderland’s Defender, she knows her heart would never forgive her for abandoning Jack to rebuild a crushed kingdom. Can Anna leave what she loves to become queen of a people suspicious of her and the gems? Joining Jack would mean battling an evil greater than anything she’s ever faced, for the curse’s roots grow deep. But if she doesn’t, Oclen will likely fall and Anna will lose Jack forever. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon
(These answers represent the timing of Book One, Gems of Fire) Tell me about yourself: I’m Anna of Sunderland, 16-year-old, third-born to King Vilipp. My birthday is in autumn, September 21. I resemble my mother in appearance only. She was loving, good and adored by all. I can’t help but disappoint my father and his brooding advisor, Seamus. Who are your siblings? Stefan is my older brother and crown prince of Sunderland. He’s watched out for me to the best of his ability since our mother passed away when I was four. He is now 22 years old. Saira, 20 years old, is my older sister. She’s been away to be educated as an ambassador and has recently returned to Sunderland. I get along better with Stefan. I’m frequently compared to perfect Saira. I’m always found lacking. Describe your home: Sunderland is a medium-sized kingdom in the heart of the continent, bordered by a semi-circle of mountains on the west, north and east sides. To the south of Sunderland lies a semi-arid region and the kingdom of Tagora. The capital city is Kasdod where King Vilipp’s enemy, Anwar resides. Karfin is Sunderland’s capital, a city set into a white mountain where valuable gems are mined. The village in front of the castle is surrounded by a tall outer wall. The Alpin river weaves in front of the castle, providing protection from intruders. The only way into the castle is by a drawbridge. Where are you the happiest? I find comfort at the stables and riding my horse, Farley. He was given to me by a southern prince who found him alone in the desert as a yearling. He quickly became my project and my solace. Farley only allows me on his back. His groom’s name is Bart. I consider him my only friend. What is your greatest fear? I fear I’ll never gain the respect of my father. He only sees me as someone to marry off. And no one wants a headstrong girl. I also fear being locked away in a cage, trapped and unable to defend myself. I especially fear being alone with Seamus. What are your pursuits? I love horseback riding, archery and sparring with Stefan. I grew up hiding from my tutors, and they’ve pretty much given up educating me. I don’t have many friends at court. Are you close to your father? Not really. Father has never recovered from losing my mother. I pretty much lost both parents back then. Like I said, Stefan has done his best to look after me, as well as my faithful nurse, Mary. Who is the person you admire and/or despise the most? I admire my brother Stefan. He’s funny, caring and loyal. He’ll make a great king. I despise Seamus, my father’s advisor. He’s pretty much taken over most duties of the king and poisons me in my father’s mind. What do you remember of your mother? Mother was gently, kind and always held me close when I cried. She loved me very much. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Spirited, Longing, Determined 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
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Replaced Parts (Transformed Nexus #1)
By Stephanie Hansen Science Fiction, Young Adult Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 240 Pages February 23, 2021 by Fire and Ice Young Adult Books BOOK DESCRIPTION: In the year 2163 a corrupt World Government controls everything on our planet and beyond. Sixteen year-old Sierra has been so caught up in her own world of saving animal test subjects and her father’s disappearance, she hasn’t paid much attention. When she finally finds his location, she and her friend set off on a covert interplanetary mission to rescue him, she begins to see the corruption first hand. Discovering that her father has been on the front lines secretly trying to save human test subjects inspires her to join a revolution. But she is afraid of the collateral damage of hurting the people she loves. Will she find the strength to make a deal with the mad scientist Cromwell to save not just her friends and family but everyone? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play * On sale for 99 cents on e-book! * 
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Replaced Parts is a fantastical journey in future space travel. Disaster has hit Earth and One World Government and all its restrictions and atrocities are in place. Whom can one trust? Does one truly have Freedom? This is one girl's venture in trying to locate her missing father. She won't believe the rumors made about him. Will her faith in him become a reality, or are the rumors true? This is a fateful tale I can easily see happening in the future. It is a fast-paced, poignant and intuitive story about power, corruptness, one girl's search for answers, the power of uniting against evil, and many more topics. The characters "come alive" under the talented skills of the author. The scenes are easily visualized. The plot of this first book keeps building, totally leaving the reader/listener wanting more. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft Award Winning Author. Her short story, Break Time, and poetry has been featured in Mind's Eye literary magazine. The Kansas Writers Association published her short story, Existing Forces, appointing her as a noted author. She has held a deep passion for writing since early childhood, but a brush with death caused her to allow it to grow. She's part of an SCBWI critique group in Lawrence, KS and two local book clubs. She attends many writers' conferences including the Writing Day Workshops, New York Pitch, Penned Con, New Letters, All Write Now, Show Me Writers Master Class, BEA, and Nebraska Writers Guild conference as well as Book Fairs and Comic-Cons. She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Pinterest | TikTok 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Audiobook of Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen and a $25 Amazon gift card Ends September 22, 2021 
Today I am Highlighting the @nd Book of The Mountain of Flame series.
Valley of Bones (Gems of Fire #2)
By Diane E. Samson Young Adult Fantasy Paperback & ebook, 370 Pages February 13, 2021 by Diane E. Samson ABOUT the BOOK: Princess Anna is left to rule Sunderland as regent when her father, brother and her presumed fiancé Jack ride to battle devouring creatures in Jack’s home kingdom of Oclen. She must establish herself as a strong leader with the Sunderland council and a neighboring king who brings along two handsome princes to negotiate an alliance. Trouble erupts as outlining Sunderland villages are attacked by pillaging marauders and the council loses confidence in Anna’s leadership. As Anna waits in trepidation for word from her father’s army, all she hears is silence. Her scouts never return. When the reports of a coming horror reach Anna, she forges an unlikely alliance and forgoes her father’s long-standing policies against gems of power. She trains Sunderland’s remaining soldiers to fight with gems. She’ll lead them to battle to rescue her family and the one she loves. But first she must survive the treachery brewing in her own court. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |
“You have a kind heart, Princess.” He stared out the doorway. A shadow fell across his features. “But it will not save you from what’s coming.” “What’s coming?” Anna whispered. He faced her. Pure horror reflected in his eyes. “My men and I were on the North Sea. Our ship was destroyed by beasts off the north coast of Oclen.” “Beasts?” Anna’s heart skipped. “It’s the stuff of nightmares.” His voice was low, his tone measured. “They boarded my ship from another boat and went on a killing rampage. We had to abandon ship. A fraction of my men made it to shore in a few small boats. My beautiful ship sank in those bloody waves.” Anna shuddered. More beasts. He was silent a long time. He pursed his lips and studied her. “Sit down. I don’t want you fainting.” Anna lowered herself to the fur rug. Her eyes didn’t leave his face as a slow roil churned in her gut. “Hopefully some of the beasts went down with the ship, but many followed us to shore. They swam a mile in the cold North Sea in the dark.” “How is that possible?” “These things are not human.” Anna blinked. The man from Oclen had warned them. Her head spun. “Many of my men died. There was nothing I could do. Our swords bounced off their hides. Our arrows did not pierce their skin.” He grabbed the wine bottle and slumped down next to her. Excerpted from Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, Copyright © 2021 by Diane E. Samson. Published by Diane E. Samson. 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
I will highlight one of the books for three postings, starting with Book 1 today!
Gems of Fire (Gems of Fire #1) By Diane E. Samson
Young Adult Fantasy Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 276 Pages November 6, 2018 by Clean Reads BOOK DESCRIPTION: Palace of Sunderland. Paradise to the peasants. Prison to sixteen-year-old Anna, daughter of the king. She can never escape the castle’s cold walls and scorning disapproval of her father and his brute royal counsel, Seamus. She’ll always live in the shadow of her late mother, the queen. Will they ever see her for who she really is? A riding accident lands Anna in the hands of traders who sell her as a slave in distant Kasdod to none other than her father’s enemy, Lord Anwar. After overhearing a dangerous plot to conquer Sunderland and kill the royal family, Anna must escape and warn her father, even if it means facing her greatest enemy. With the doom looming over her, Anna is approached by a dangerous man in the dark. He claims to want to help her, but can she trust him with her secrets? The perils of the journey ahead will push Anna to the limit and answer the one question that has always plagued her... Will she ever be enough? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target |
“What an exciting book to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters were very well developed, and it made me cheer for them all the way through. The cover is very dramatic and fits very well with the story. Great read.” - Goodreads Reviewer “One Tough Princess…A princess who despite great suffering never gives up. I really loved Anna’s determination and heart. You’ll find adventure, high stakes and romance in the midst of such horrible circumstances. A solid plot with a story that stayed with me.” - Amazon Reviewer “A breathtaking journey into royal courts, slavery, escape, war, and love. This book has it all…” - Amazon Reviewer 
About the Author
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
Book Details:
Charm Wars (Charm Wars, #1) by Dan Lutts Publication date: September 2nd 2021 Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Synopsis: Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic, where the noblesse possess massive political and magical power and destroy anyone who threatens the noblesse way of life—especially the commoners. Rill Larkin, the son of a commoner blacksmith, has high ambitions. To be a mage, join the exalted ranks of the ruling noblesse, and establish his own noblesse family. Defying both the system and his family, Rill becomes the apprentice of Deuth Estati, a powerful archmage. But appearances deceive. As training progresses, Rill learns of decades-long secrets and manipulations that threaten his dream. And Deuth might not be as benevolent as Rill thought. Alyse Dejune despises magic, even if she does belong to one of the oldest and most powerful noblesse families in Caldon. The deceits and treacheries of noblesse life and the loveless marriage alliances among the noblesse families disgust her. Her family however has high expectations: that she fulfill her role as a noblesse girl by marrying Troy Estati, an arrogant, selfish noblesse boy she does not love. And Alyse harbors a secret—the potential to become one of the most powerful mages in generations and wield forbidden magic—that, if revealed, could mean her death. In this deadly game of ever-shifting alliances, where the state wages perpetual war against an ancient enemy, Rill and Alyse are thrown together in a land where magic is failing. And as greedy noblesse families raid surrounding family compounds for powerful charms, Rill and Alyse are left standing at a terrible crossroads. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic!
AUTHOR BIO:
Dan Lutts was brought up in Quincy, Massachusetts, and began addictively reading Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman comic books at an early age, much to his mother's distress. In junior high school, he switched to reading science fiction novels. While in high school and college, he wrote science fiction short stories. Dan taught history and archaeology in high school for ten years. After being laid off because of budget cuts, he used his love of writing to retrain and became a software technical editor and writer. He worked for several computer companies, taught technical writing at the college level, and worked as a freelance writer. Now, combining his love of history and writing, he works at a World War II museum doing research and writing. Dan loves to read and has varied tastes, including Young Adult, historical fiction, mysteries, 18th-century sea epics, and history. He especially enjoys Young Adult fiction and decided to try his hand at it. Charm Wars, Dan's first novel, is the result. Dan lives in rural Maine with his wife, Lisa. When he's not working or writing, Dan can be found reading, making and shooting medieval arrows with his longbow, or playing with his two dogs and two cats--all rescue animals. You can learn more about Dan and the world of Charm Wars at https://www.danlutts.com/. Author links: Webpage ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Sept 9th: 
Don’t Forget To Breathe
by Cathrina Constantine Publication date: September 1st 2021 Genres: Mystery, Young Adult Synopsis: Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind. And everything fades to black. Leo has been battling personal demons after a year of retrograde amnesia. She’s been having vivid dreams of that day. And her dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. Two more bodies are discovered and they are oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide. Leo befriends her new neighbor. He’s eager to visit Star Hallow’s notorious haunted mansion. It’s located on a deserted cul-de-sac where she once lived and where her mom was murdered. But it’s the Lucien Estate, the mansion next door to her old home, where they happen upon misty ghosts, ghosts that just might help to unravel the homicides. Will Leo’s memories send her reeling into a relapse, or will she be able to overcome her demons to find her mother’s killer – only to become the next victim? Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Excerpt 3:
There was a sound like water dripping and then splashing into a tinny pot. Perhaps the roof leaked? Curiosity got the best of me and I shouldered open the door. Pitch black, not a trace of light. The revolting stench heated the room. Was there a rotten animal in here? I plugged my nose to block the stench. I guided my feet with the flashlight, but my sneakers stepped into a gooey substance. Suctioned to the floor, I pried them up; the goo looked reddish black. The cause of the stench? My paranoia reached its pinnacle. Let Henry find his own way out. I’m leaving. I turned toward the hall and the flashlight’s beam sliced through the room. I was ready to flee when I caught sight of something. I cast the light upward, toward the high ceiling. A bristly rope had been knotted around a chandelier. My light followed the line of rope and landed on a corpse. Not animal—human. “Henry?!” 
AUTHOR BIO:
Cathrina Constantine is an International Best Selling and Award Winning Author. Her books have won Reader's Favorite International Book Awards. New Apple Medalist Award. Literary Classics Gold and Silver Award. Literary Classics Seal of Approval. And recently 1st Place Top Shelf Award for YA/Mystery. Cathrina loves to immerse herself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps her to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at her computer you can find her in the woods taking long walks with her dog. Author links: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
Of the Lilin
-- TEASERS: Sage describing her depression: I didnt deserve happiness. Those joys shouldnt exist without my familys and friends presence. I should have to endure more suffering for what I had done. I no longer pressed my memory to find out what I was guilty of. It was a blur, a blip in my mind, but it was there. I felt it, and I needed to suffer for it. Sage, when her dark side appears, describing her feeding: From his wanting mouth, I began to inhale his essence, his spirit. It was exhilarating and decadent. I was filled with what was flowing and still, energetic and peaceful, awe-inspiring and banal. The dichotomies fit like two puzzle pieces. There was not one without the other. This was the only moment that existed. It was completeness.
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Book Details:
Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore Publication date: August 23rd 2021 Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Synopsis: The embarrassment of being the only unkissed girl in high school is something Sandy Cardington refuses to accept. The first kiss project is her foolproof plan to finally get rid of the status at her 17th birthday party, while her parents are out of town. With several kissable boys on her guest list, this should be a walk in the park. But she didn’t count on her older brother returning from college and throwing a wrench into her plans. To make matters even more complicated, he has a friend in tow, and the cute hockey player stirs unexpected butterflies in her stomach every time their paths cross. While Sandy moves heaven and earth to make her party and project come true, it looks as if Thane Griffyn has his own plans to teach her the real meaning of a first kiss… A compelling, sweet high school romance, perfect for fans of Kelly Oram, L A Cotton, Cassie Mae, and Erin Watt. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Excerpt 2 The person is still there. And it’s not just any person, it’s Thane! He’s doing chin-ups, breathing hard, his sweaty skin glistens in the morning sun, and I can see all that because he’s only wearing jeans and no freaking t-shirt. Holy shit! The droplets of labor trail down the valleys between the well-defined but never too obtrusive muscles on his back. His shoulder blades work hard at each pull-up, and the rhythmic sound of the breaths he pushes out whenever he brings his chin over the bar drifts in through my window. Cam and I got this swing set when we were kids, so the framework is really just a couple feet taller than Thane. One can easily reach the crossbar on top with outstretched arms, which is why he’s got to angle his knees to keep his feet off the ground. Taken to another world, I watch Thane exercise until the smartphone gently vibrates in my hand. I glance down then answer Adrian’s call very, very quietly. “What?” “Is that Cam’s friend doing a workout in your backyard?” my bestie drawls into my ear while we’re both still staring at Thane’s half-naked body. Okay, well, I am. And there’s no chance to miss the undertone in Adrian’s question. “Apparently. So, why the hell did you wake me?” Of course I can appreciate a nice male body when I see one, but I really don’t see why Adrian would wake me just for that. I don’t like spying on my brother’s friends. “Because this is obviously your great chance! You should totally go downstairs and join him in the backyard.” Sorry, what? “Are you kidding me?” “No! Do you want to get kissed before your seventeenth birthday, or not?” “Well, I do. But—” “Come on, this is the perfect opportunity. Go down, now!” My narrowed gaze zooms across the backyard straight through his window. “To do what exactly?” I mean, I can’t exactly sashay over, loop my arms around his sweaty neck, and press my mouth on his. That would come off as a bit strange, wouldn’t it? Even from here, I can see Adrian lift his shoulders. “I don’t know. Chat with him. Flirt with him.” Within the past couple of years, Adrian never missed a chance to pick a nice match for me—theoretically. From afar. It’s another reason why my family shouldn’t be worried about us at all. He wouldn’t try to set me up if he wanted me for himself, right? This early in the morning, I only wish he wasn’t so eager about it. “I’m certainly not going down there!” I hiss. Maybe a bit too loud… Frozen to the spot, I completely freak out in my head because I forgot my window is open. And of course, Thane looks over his shoulder in that very moment. His gaze zeroes in on me with accurate precision. With the cell phone pressed to my face, I feel a shockwave of red rushing to my cheeks. Automatically, I loosen my fingers, and the phone drops to the floor—straight onto my tiny toe. Jeez, that hurts! But I don’t move a muscle in my face because this is definitely not the right moment to be sniveling. The left corner of Thane’s mouth twitches up. “Hi there.” Caught up in utter panic, I cannot seem to move my lips, but at least I’m smart enough to lift a hand in greeting. Thane places his feet back on the ground and lets go of the bar then faces me. “You’re up early.” Yeah, so are you. So what? He grabs his t-shirt from the swing and wipes the sweat from his face with it before he shakes it out and puts it on. “Is everything okay?” Tell him you didn’t spy on him but you wanted to close the window because he’s so loud! “I think I just broke my toe.” Yeah…or just say that. 
AUTHOR BIO:
"I'm writing stories because I can't breathe without." Anna Katmore lives in an enchanting world of her own, which allows only those to enter who are ready to hand in logic and rationalism. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you'll never want to leave again... Disney is her attitude towards life, and if she could, she'd save the world from itself. Her patronus is a wolf, her wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 inches long with a unicorn hair core. Glitter on her shoes is a must, though she doesn't care for Cinderella's glass slippers. Too risky that something might break... For more information, please visit www.annakatmore.com Author links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
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From USA Today bestselling author Stacey O’Neale comes a standalone, gender-reversed YA retelling of Sleeping Beauty!
Book Details:
Cursed Beauty by Stacey O’Neale Publication date: August 30th 2021 Genres: Fairy Tales, Retelling, Young Adult Synopsis: The day has come for sixteen-year-old Aurora to receive her witch mark. She should be thrilled. But unlike the rest of her coven, a centuries-old family curse has already decided her fate; the cost of her new power is her life. After the ceremony, her grandmother offers her hope: Aurora can save herself and prevent her coven from dying by awakening a sleeping prince with the power to break her curse. Unfortunately, she must travel through the forbidden Shadowlands to reach him. The enchanted forest is filled with magical creatures—friends and foes—including the mysterious son of a powerful wolf pack leader. Can she find the prince in time, and if she succeeds, will he choose to help despite having been placed under a sleeping spell? Perfect for fans of Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig, and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ 
AUTHOR BIO:
USA Today Bestselling YA Fantasy Author, Stacey O'Neale, lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, podcasting, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter. Her career in publishing started as a senior publicist for Entangled Publishing. Stacey writes young adult fantasy and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing. Author links: Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Sept 2nd: 
The Awakening: Three Sources. Two Worlds. One Connection.by Dana Claire
Publisher: Chamberlain Publishing House (May 20, 2021) Series: The Blood-Light Trilogy #2 Category: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance Tour dates: August15-September 17, 2021 ISBN: 978-1792367090 Available in Print and ebook, 319 pages Book Description: The government called her a weapon. Her mother called her a gift. She called it a forced fate. Beatrice Walker is no stranger to surprises and after the year she’s had, finding out she is responsible for billions of lives is a drop in the bucket. Until she learns there may be more to the prophetic plan to prevent the extinction of two planets—both Earth and Ferro, and that she isn’t the only Blood-Light they will need to fight the imminent threat of an asteroid hurtling toward the planets. He grew up a loyal heir. He trained to be a soldier. He found purpose with the Rebellion. Cash Kingston didn’t think falling for a Blood-Light—part human, part Ferroean—was possible. But when he met Beatrice Walker, all of that changed. What didn’t waver was his quest to save his beloved planet Ferro and his new home, Earth. Not only from the oncoming asteroid but from leaders of both planets with more sinister agendas. Together, Beatrice and Cash, plus their team, must uncover who they can trust, how they can stop their enemies, and what superpower matters most, or they will lose everything they are fighting for. 
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
I have anxiously been awaiting book two of the Blood Trilogy and it did not dissapoint! Dana Claire has once again created a fast paced, unexpected plot in 'The Awakening'. Although this Title has been overused, it was very fitting. The Cover image was a great fit, too. The romance connection is strong as well as the commitment to the separate causes. Although the ending of this scenario is complete, it ends with a cliff-hanger which blew my mind! I am now nxiously awaiting the final book of the series to see how the author "ties it all together". The same characcters in the previous books are joined with a few more. The second book was quite different thann the first, yet still very captivating. I totally did not "see this one coming"! The plot was vey uexpected, leaving the reader a few idfferent ideas on how the third will atually "play out". The charcters are just as strong and well-defined.The reader will either be entdeared to them or find them totlly exaspeating. The scenes are portryed in a way they are easily visualiized. It is so easy to connect with this book and its characters. *Warning: There are a few harsh words, I estimate, less than 10. I stronly recpmmend the reader read the books in order. Without the irst book, the reader will feel "lost" in the secon book. I offer a Five Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest reiew.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was absolutely sure I was going to love this one as well and boy, I wasn’t wrong. This is the second book in this stellar series and it’s even more action-packed than the first. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up the entire time. It also introduces more fun and quirky characters that I immediately fell in love with. And what an ending! It was done so uniquely and kept the momentum going until the very last page, during which we’re also treated to some astounding revelations that just make me that much more anxious for the next book to get here already. If you like young adult scifi action adventure, you’ll love this author and this series. They’re both outstanding.” -5 Stars DTChantel “I’m so in love with this series!! This is the second book, which you expect for it to be not quite as good as the first, NOPE!!! This was just as great as the first, if not a little better!!! The growth we see of the characters and not just the main characters, is so well done. We have a few new side characters that brought a lot to the story. But my favorite are Cash, Beatrice and Ashton. But I totally ship Cash & Beatrice!!! I can’t stress this enough… if you like Romance with SciFi (like The Lux series by JLA, The Kricket series, The Saven series) you will LOVE this series!!!! It’s definitely it’s own series, not a copycat, but just to give you an idea of the kind of Romance with SciFi story it is. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!! And I can’t wait for the next book!!!” -5 Stars Donna (Book Dragon Girl) “I was so excited to read book two in this series! There was just enough backstory sprinkled in so that you could still follow the story if you hadn’t read book one (and enough to remind the reader if they read book one a while ago). I was pulled right back into Bea and Cash’s story, and I could barely put the book down until I reached the end. From rescuing Ashton, to Cash being captured, to Bea’s first experience of Ferro, to the surprising “reward” for saving the world, I had to keep turning the pages. We’re left with a cliffhanger at the end, though, so I hope Ms. Claire is industriously writing volume three!” -5 Stars Cyndi “This book is beyond amazing. It keeps you so hooked at all times. You cannot go wrong with this read.” -5 Stars Amazon Customer 
About Dana Claire
When author Dana Claire had several poems published as an elementary school student, she was hooked and writing became her passion. A shared dream of hers and her mother’s, she promised her dying mother that she would become a published author and that dream has been realized with The Connection. Dana believes that a good story is made through strong character development; when readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives. She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. Her own stories come to her in her dreams, and she wakes up with book ideas. Dana’s family is very supportive of her writing and the creativity and sentiment driving it. Enjoying bicoastal living between Los Angeles and New York, Dana says she “lives the best romance in the world being married to the most amazing man she could ever ask for.” The Connection was her debut YA novel, the first volume in a planned trilogy. The Awakening is the second volume. She is also the author of The Reclaimed Kingdom, a YA fantasy romance novel.Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/ ~ Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaclaire143 ~ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/
Find the Tour Schedule HERE.
Giveaway Details:
This giveaway is for a prize pack: 3 print copies and 3 matching eye masks, 1 each per winner. It is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on September 17, 2021, 2 a.m. Est. time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. 
To unearth the truth, she must embrace the legend within.
Book Details:
Tempest (The Veil Chronicles, #1) by C.J. Campbell Publication date: August 31st 2021 Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult Synopsis: For eighteen-year-old Lexi, freedom is a luxury. She’s spent her life evading capture for a genetic gift that feels more like a curse. Her bulletproof immunity and monstrous disfigurement is of great interest to a secret organization, but they aren’t the only ones. A cryptic tip alerts Lexi that something else hunts her–something darker. Desperate to enjoy her life before it’s too late, Lexi leaves the protective cocoon her parents created for her and signs up for art classes at her local college. There she meets Conner, who is confined to a wheelchair, and they become friends who are willing to share each other’s secrets. But a chance encounter with Connor’s foster brother Killian changes everything. Killian shares the same mysterious secret within his blood as Lexi. Their fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic events that exposes the terrifying truth–Lexi is a celestial queen of a bygone race. Connor is their last royal heir, and Killian is a half-breed abomination hated for his very existence. With Connor kidnapped by an ancient god determined to rid the world of the stain of humanity, Lexi and Killian find themselves under the protection of the secretive Order of Kings. Lexi believes she’s been thrown into a world of myths and legends, but things are not as they seem. Lexi becomes convinced the Order is keeping dangerous secrets that threaten not just her but all of mankind. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
‘Burning Heart’ – Chapter 17. Tempest: The Veil Chronicles, Book 1. By CJ. Campbell I don’t wait to see the true extent of the damage. I’m too much of a coward for that. Instead, I take the stairs and flee the scene of my crime. Terrified of the wrath brewing inside me, I run like the wind, streaking through the hallways like a watery shadow. The castle’s many servants cower as I blow past, the horror etched on their pale faces plain to see. Only a monster causes those reactions. Maybe I deserve to be locked up, chained to iron, and kept in a tower. Skidding to a halt by the double doors to my suite, I throw them back and retreat inside. I try to ignore the terrified voices echoing in the hallways. I cover my ears and claw at my hair. I do everything, but the terror never quells. Not in me and not in them. A shrill squawk from behind startles me. I spin to find Kes beating her golden wings at me, talons exposed. One look at the alarm in her eyes, and I scream in frustration. She has to leave. She’s not safe. Without thought, I raise a hand and catch her about her breast. The strike sends her flailing across the room. She crashes through the doors in a plume of feathers and terrified twittering. The glass windows shudder with each of my ragged breaths. Consumed by the rage in me, I can only watch, unable to breathe, unable to think, unable to stop it. Another growling exhale brings on the sickening sound of glass cracking. I let out a terrified cry, then cover my ears. The windows shatter before I can fully protect my head. A few shards scratch the skin of my cheek. The wind circulates through the now broken windows, but it doesn’t matter how much I gulp down the air, I still can’t breathe. Wind howls, furniture scatters, things smash against the walls, but all I can do is hold desperately to the barest shred of my sanity . . . to my humanity . . . if I even have any of that left. It’s just as much an illusion as everything else in this twisted story. “Is this what you want? Is this what I am?” I scream into the chaos, unsure whom I actually address. “Make it stop! Please, make it stop.” But it doesn’t stop, and I can’t figure out how to make it. They’ll have to take me out, like a crazed animal. But maybe I deserve that. “Lexi!” That voice. It means something. Arms wrap around me, one secure around my waist, the other across my chest. A solid and unmovable force melds against my spine. It holds against me. It gives me form, and suddenly, I’m not spinning out of control in a dark abyss. “It’s okay, Lexi.” The voice, soothing, masculine, trickles through the roar in my ears. The command authoritative but not controlling. I listen like my life depends on it. Truthfully, it probably does. “I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid. You’ve got this, sweetheart.” Killian. I want to shout his name, but I still can’t find my breath. I’m choking on the pain, but he holds me tighter still. He gives me a firm shake. “Breathe, Lexi, just breathe.” His lips scrape at my ear, his breath hot on my neck. His stubble grazes my cheek. His lengths of hair tickle me. I trust all those little things. He is real. He won’t let me go. Killian’s palm spreads across my chest, the gentle force pushing me against his so I feel his steady breath. It rises and falls, unfazed and entirely unlike the erratic pattern of my own. I breathe in deep, matching the pressure of his hand on my chest, and like magic, my lungs open and fill with calming air. I focus on nothing but the steady rise and fall of Killian’s chest. The perfectly rooted sound of his beating heart creating a calm rhythm that makes everything slow down. “It’s okay,” he keeps promising me, a tinge of exhaustion in his voice. “I’m right here. I’ve got you. You’re safe.” “Don’t let me go.” I find I’m trembling when the initial surge of energy ebbs away. It leaves me as weak and listless as the tiny droplets of rain that seep tiredly from the window ledges. It’s rather unnerving how powerful water can be in one moment and how utterly still and ineffectual in the next. “I’m not letting go, Lexi. I never stopped.” He swears it, but I feel myself slide through his grasp. Instead of letting me collapse to the ground in my exhaustion, he keeps his promise. We both fall together, or more so, he guides me to the ground, pillowing my landing. I’m a dead weight in his arms, and he gradually gives way, carefully keeping my head protected on his forearm as I lie pinned beneath him. The two of us breathe deeply, our foreheads touching. His beautiful green eyes shine with vibrancy through the darkness of this terrible place, and I register he must’ve expended some power of his own to curtail the chaos of mine. I reach up my fingertips to touch his cheek. “You didn’t let go,” I say, my voice all horrible and husky. “Neither did you,” he says, his voice something above a breathless whisper. ‘Into the Deept’ – Chapter 26. Tempest: The Veil Chronicles, Book 1. By CJ. Campbell A thrill of excitement runs up my spine. With itching fingers, I reach for Sebastian’s smooth neck. An awakening, feral instinct guides me, with the greatest of ease, onto Sebastian’s back. The powerful water energy courses between us, mingling with jittery excitement. Wildness surges through my veins as my kelpie turns to face the open water. I inhale the wet air, and my lungs burn with an all-consuming need. I need to be as free as the water beneath me. I must be free of this restrictive skin. I need to be free. “Lexi.” The glorious sound of crashing waves and the water’s gurgling swirl drowns Killian’s warning. I don’t listen. I won’t listen. Sebastian launches against the rolling waves. I marvel at how the water crashes against us, how each pound is like being shocked with paddles. Someone is calling for me, trying to pull me back to land, back to restriction and dulled senses. I happily ignore them. The kelpie launches into a strange gait, swimming, no more ground beneath his feet. With the next wave, my comrade releases a high-pitched keen and crashes into the sea foam. We dive into the water, like a rock shattering glass, and we separate. My fingers slip from Sebastian’s silken skin. Thousands of tiny, shimmering bubbles rise between us. Their heavenly glow chases the darkness from the murky water until it gleams, clear and unpolluted. My eyes follow the source of the glow to my arm, where light bursts from my veins. The bubbles are my flesh, consumed by my own light. I gasp, but I have no voice, and breathing water causes me no pain. I should be frightened, but I feel only relief. Like I’ve been holding my breath for a long time, and now I can breathe. With one more churn of the waves above my head, I close my fleshly eyes and let the current roll me away. It’s like letting go of heavy weights I didn’t realize I was carrying. One moment I am a solid thing with limbs and skin holding me in, and the next there’s only my mind, or at least the sensation of awareness. Instead of disappearing, as I thought I would, I find I am the water, the very essence of it. I feel strong, unhindered. Neither blind nor deaf. The earth grumbles below, echoing through me. I hear the air above, how it tickles and dances over my surface. I hear the longing call of the land, its distant voice the only thing enough to remind me of what I left behind. The whole expanse of water is my vision, the dark depths and the wavering light of the shallows. I see the animals hiding in the coral, seaweed, and rocks. I sense their cold blood and how their lives are tied to the water’s energy. My energy. For a time—uncountable, because I don’t have need to measure it—I simply exist, stretching and filling up the whole of the lough. Finding mouths of rivers that feed into it, and where it joins the ocean. I could continue to follow the currents, travel farther, go beyond just this little place, but as my essence touches the very bottom of the lough and roams over the surface, I become aware of something new. Not earth, or rock, or anything natural. It’s crystal. Strange crystal; not an element of this world. A wide basin of crystal stretches for miles under the surface of the lough. Intrigue draws me deeper. I reach into the gloom, my free form dancing over the jagged, crystalline basin. Like a fogged mirror. I settle over its blinding surface, searching for a reflection, only to catch a glimpse of a fish swimming on the other side. This is no mirror. It’s a window to another world. My world? The matrix between us and them? A doorway to the Veiled Lands? The waters beyond that crystal basin sing to me like a siren call. I want to flee into that place, into that powerful current. I test the surface, searching for a crack or chink in its armor to slip through, but there is none. The key. . . I need that key. 
AUTHOR BIO:
Clare is a successful and highly popular author of award winning Fanfiction, with thousands of online fans and over 2 million reads on her Lord of the Rings Fanfic epic. Clare has also won several writing awards within the Fantasy, Inspirational, and Short Story genres. Her story Refuge was a top prize winner and as a direct result published in Faith & Freedom anthology by EA books. She has recently been shortlisted for Writer of the Year 2019. As well as writing, Clare is an experienced Occupational Therapist, with a passion for enabling people. She has contributed articles for online organizations aimed at highlighting disability as a positive influence in modern literature. Her love of storytelling, merged with her positive messages inspires her to create meaningful narratives that represent diversity, and promote unity. You can learn more about Clare by visiting www.CJCampbellOfficial.com Author links:Facebook ~ Website ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ 
GIVEAWAY DEATAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Aug 26th: 
The Awakening: Three Sources. Two Worlds. One Connection.by Dana Claire
Publisher: Chamberlain Publishing House (May 20, 2021) Series: The Blood-Light Trilogy #2; ISBN: 978-1792367090 Category: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance Tour dates: August15-September 17, 2021 Available in Print and ebook, 319 pages Book Description: The government called her a weapon. Her mother called her a gift. She called it a forced fate. Beatrice Walker is no stranger to surprises and after the year she’s had, finding out she is responsible for billions of lives is a drop in the bucket. Until she learns there may be more to the prophetic plan to prevent the extinction of two planets—both Earth and Ferro, and that she isn’t the only Blood-Light they will need to fight the imminent threat of an asteroid hurtling toward the planets. He grew up a loyal heir. He trained to be a soldier. He found purpose with the Rebellion. Cash Kingston didn’t think falling for a Blood-Light—part human, part Ferroean—was possible. But when he met Beatrice Walker, all of that changed. What didn’t waver was his quest to save his beloved planet Ferro and his new home, Earth. Not only from the oncoming asteroid but from leaders of both planets with more sinister agendas. Together, Beatrice and Cash, plus their team, must uncover who they can trust, how they can stop their enemies, and what superpower matters most, or they will lose everything they are fighting for. Buy Awakening by Dana Claire: Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ IndieBound
Dr. X had a secret passageway in through a vent that filtered the recycled air. He had created a remote-control app on his phone, allowing him to break into the DOAA’s system and paralyze the fans for five minutes. All six of us had to get through it before the automated backup system clicked back on. The front and side perimeters were heavily guarded, but the DOAA believed the back entrance and the vents were impenetrable.
“And why’s that?” I asked. “Because I created the system and I told them so,” Dr. X reasoned. Sounded good to me. I just hoped Director Dodd hadn’t uncovered the secret by now. When it came to the DOAA, anything was possible, and everything could be expected. “Wanna tell me the plan again, Doc? I feel like this is too easy. Are we missing something?” I asked, not even looking his way. I was mesmerized by the yellow expanse of grasslands to our right as a pair of birds circled and swooped, landing in the crooked branches of a shrubby tree. “It’s quite simple. We park the van in the employee lot on the side. It’s the closest to the back where the vent entrance is. My van is parked in the lot all the time—I have a corporate sticker and everything—so no one will question the presence of an employee vehicle in the lot.” His stomach rumbled. “Did you know they are adding a new restaurant wing in the DOAA? I’m looking forward to there being a sushi option.” I swiveled my head to Dr. X, who was unfazed by his own admission of excitement to a new selection of DOAA cuisine. I’d heard this guy was strange. Remarkably, he was living up to those rumors. “One of you can melt the hinges. We will all climb in. Once I set the timer, we will have five minutes to crawl through and down the vent to where they are holding Seraphina. Tasha will give me Gertrude’s source and we will implant it in Seraphina. Then Cash will zap her and awakened she shall be.” Cash moved in between our two bucket seats. His head tilted toward the doctor. His voice was low and growly like a grizzly bear. “Did you say I will zap Sera? What do you mean by zap her?” “Yes. You will have to zap her with your source. Her wrists and ankles, to be exact.” The van’s metal skeleton started to vibrate as I watched my brother’s fists clench into a tight ball. I wondered if Dr. X had a death wish because the next move my brother was about to make was murder. I placed my hand on his shoulder while turning my attention to the doctor. “Hey, Doc, not to sound ignorant but I think Cash here”—I glanced at Cash, whose bristling source caused the metal in the van to clang—“is a little concerned. I know you are human and all, but if we are ‘zapped,’ as you so delicately put it, on our four joints, we most likely will die.” I removed my hand from Cash and grabbed the water bottle at my side. “So I think maybe a lengthier explanation would be beneficial for all of us.” I twisted the cap off and sipped, allowing the cool liquid to calm my heated insides. “Especially you, who could lose his life prematurely to the opposing source behind you that you’ve angered.” Dr. X looked strangely confused. His nose twitched. “I only said getting into the DOAA HQ would be easy. I never claimed an Awakening would be.” His glasses started to slip off his face. He pressed his pointer fingers into the bridge to slide them back up to the base. “If an Awakening was simple, don’t you think more Ferroeans would have tried it? Why do you think it’s done by multiple technicians in the sanatorium center on Ferro? It’s a delicate procedure.” Cash was now full-fledged growling. I crossed my calf over my thigh and finished the remnants of fluid, tossing the bottle to the floor. This whole vehicle was a garbage can. I doubted it would be noticed. “Dr. X, do you think you could explain in detail how Cash can…” Beatrice turned to me and asked, “Is there any other word I can use to replace zap?” I shrugged my shoulders. How the Council was I supposed to know? This was the first time Dr. X had told any of us what an Awakening entailed. Tasha had moved to the front of the van behind Cash, keenly attuned to our brother’s temper flares. “How about charge? I think that would be a correct and less-murderous word.” Beatrice nodded. “Can Cash charge Seraphina without accidentally killing her?” My brain started working overtime as understanding hit me. I rubbed my hands down my jeans. They were starting to sweat. “I really hate to be the one to ask this question, but it would absolutely put a damper on this mission if Sera somehow didn’t come out of it alive, so I think I should address the elephant, zombie, or llamas—whatever else a human would notice—in the room.” Cash, Beatrice, and Tasha all stared at me as I spoke. Not one of them had thought of it, which gave me more to worry about—our blind faith in Dr. X. “Has this ever been done before on Earth, an Awakening I mean?” Dr. X continued to look at the road. Part of me was thankful his focus was on driving given this man was behind the wheel. The other part of me was concerned he didn’t answer right away. After a long pause both Dr. X and Cash spoke at the same time, Dr. X’s “No, it hasn’t” drowned out by Cash’s, “Yes, of course it has.” My head thudded into my hands. We were so screwed.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was absolutely sure I was going to love this one as well and boy, I wasn’t wrong. This is the second book in this stellar series and it’s even more action-packed than the first. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up the entire time. It also introduces more fun and quirky characters that I immediately fell in love with. And what an ending! It was done so uniquely and kept the momentum going until the very last page, during which we’re also treated to some astounding revelations that just make me that much more anxious for the next book to get here already. If you like young adult scifi action adventure, you’ll love this author and this series. They’re both outstanding.” -5 Stars DTChantel “I’m so in love with this series!! This is the second book, which you expect for it to be not quite as good as the first, NOPE!!! This was just as great as the first, if not a little better!!! The growth we see of the characters and not just the main characters, is so well done. We have a few new side characters that brought a lot to the story. But my favorite are Cash, Beatrice and Ashton. But I totally ship Cash & Beatrice!!! I can’t stress this enough… if you like Romance with SciFi (like The Lux series by JLA, The Kricket series, The Saven series) you will LOVE this series!!!! It’s definitely it’s own series, not a copycat, but just to give you an idea of the kind of Romance with SciFi story it is. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!! And I can’t wait for the next book!!!” -5 Stars Donna (Book Dragon Girl) “I was so excited to read book two in this series! There was just enough backstory sprinkled in so that you could still follow the story if you hadn’t read book one (and enough to remind the reader if they read book one a while ago). I was pulled right back into Bea and Cash’s story, and I could barely put the book down until I reached the end. From rescuing Ashton, to Cash being captured, to Bea’s first experience of Ferro, to the surprising “reward” for saving the world, I had to keep turning the pages. We’re left with a cliffhanger at the end, though, so I hope Ms. Claire is industriously writing volume three!” -5 Stars Cyndi “This book is beyond amazing. It keeps you so hooked at all times. You cannot go wrong with this read.” -5 Stars Amazon Customer 
About Dana Claire:
When author Dana Claire had several poems published as an elementary school student, she was hooked and writing became her passion. A shared dream of hers and her mother’s, she promised her dying mother that she would become a published author and that dream has been realized with The Connection. Dana believes that a good story is made through strong character development; when readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives. She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. Her own stories come to her in her dreams, and she wakes up with book ideas. Dana’s family is very supportive of her writing and the creativity and sentiment driving it. Enjoying bicoastal living between Los Angeles and New York, Dana says she “lives the best romance in the world being married to the most amazing man she could ever ask for.” The Connection was her debut YA novel, the first volume in a planned trilogy. The Awakening is the second volume. She is also the author of The Reclaimed Kingdom, a YA fantasy romance novel. Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~
Find the Tour Schedule HERE.
This giveaway is for a prize pack: 3 print copies of both books and
3 matching eye-masks, 1 each per winner. (It is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on September 17, 2021,midnight pacific time.) Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. 
Roots of Ruin (Garden of Thorns #3)
by Amber Mitchell Publication Date: August 16, 2021 Publisher: Entangled Teen They did the impossible, but their problems are far from over… After freeing the Delmarion empire, Rose and Rayce must go to Varsha, the desert home Rose fled when she was a child—the country she’s meant to rule. Rayce is the new emperor of Delmar, Varsha’s longtime enemy, but that won’t stop him from assisting the girl he loves. Armed with the brute force of Rayce’s military, Rose sets out to free her people from the oppressive rule of the usurper king who killed her father. But even if they win, how can she be queen to her homeland and in love with the man ruling its bitter enemy? With her loyalties split between heart and crown, Rose must find a way to do the impossible again…unite two kingdoms at war, or sacrifice half of herself to save the other.
Link to Goodreads ~ Purchase Links: Amazon ~ Amazon.au ~ AMAZON.co.uk ~ Amazon.ca ~ B&N ~ iTunes.apple.com ~ Kobo ~
We slow down as we reach the dead end, exhaustion threatening to tug my entire body to the ground. I look around the corner and catch sight of twelve more soldiers thundering toward us. We’re trapped here with no help from the rebellion coming.
“What are we going to do?” I shout. “You’re going to hold on,” he says, pulling my back against his chest. He wraps his arms around me tightly while my mind scrambles to figure out how we can defeat all of these soldiers while I’m weaponless. Then I look down beyond the delicate stone railing to the oasis several stories below. Even in the dark, the tops of the leafy palm trees shine a deep emerald and patches of desert rose gleam along the tan stone walkways all around. We’re right in front of the long stretch of navy water that reflects the stars back into the sky. Beyond it, the whole of Varsha spreads out before us, glowing blue in the night in a nonsensical pattern. Rayce moves us closer to the edge. A chill comes over me when I realize why. There’s no way to go but down into the garden fountain. “You can’t possibly be considering—” Rayce grunts in acknowledgement, tipping forward as a bolas wraps around both of our legs. Pain shoots through my ankles as the heavy metal ball collides with my bone, but I’m too preoccupied with Rayce spinning us around so that I’m facing the pursuing soldiers. The closest one is only twenty feet off, his pointed sword gleaming as he runs for me. “I can’t swim!” I yell. “I know,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my earlobe. “I won’t let you go.” The cool wind from up this high sings against my skin but his chest feels solid pressed against my back. I shake my head, feeling my heart about to burst from my chest. “But what if you can’t help and—” “Arianna,” he says, tipping my chin up to look in my eyes. “I won’t let you go. Trust me?” The sharp point of the blade is fifteen feet away. Then ten. I turn to glance up at him, into his dark eyes that have never stopped captivating me. “Always.” Rayce dips backward before my brain can catch up, and then we’re both falling through the air. He grasps me tight as if I’m the most precious thing in the world, and he’s positioned himself so he’ll take the brunt of the fall. Normally, my stomach would flutter with the familiar greeting of the wind, but I can’t find any comfort now, knowing water waits to break our fall. For the first time in a long time, I feel a very real fear of heights even tucked within the safety of Rayce’s arms. I manage a huge gulp of cold air, then the water embraces me and my world goes silent.
Giveaway Details:
· One (1) winner will win a $15 Amazon gift card (ends 8/22/21) 
  Under the Milky Way by Vanessa Barneveld Publication Date: August 10, 2021 Publisher: Entangled Teen BOOK DESCRIPTION: Nothing ever happens in Dawson, Colorado. Until high school senior Cassidy Roekiem’s mom checks into a “wellness center,” but nothing is wrong with her. Then people start seeing lights in the sky and missing chunks of time, but the town insists nothing is going on. And now Hayden, the new boy at school who keeps to himself and is more than a little mysterious, starts to notice her like it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly, “nothing” is starting to feel a whole lot like something. And everything leads back to Hayden. The boy she’s starting to fall for. The boy with too many dark secrets for his kind heart. The boy she’s pretty sure isn’t human… Link to Goodreads ~ Purchase Links: Amazon ~ Amazon.au ~ Amazon.co.uk ~ Amazon.ca ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~
Excerpt 2 In UNDER THE MILKY WAY, mysterious new kid in town Hayden always seems to pop up in the most unexpected places. Like at Eden Estate, a so-called “wellness center” that puts chills down heroine Cassidy’s spine. Her mother has checked herself into this this place, but Cassidy is convinced it’ll do her more harm than good. Hayden catches me waving. There’s a mix of curiosity and warmth in his eyes that makes my insides wobble. The atmosphere around us seems to throb, like it does when summer storms approach. Except it’s fall. “Do you know someone in there?” he asks, face softening. A lump of emotion in my throat stops me from answering. I can only nod. “I’m sorry.” He starts to reach for me, but then thinks better of it, folding his arms tightly across his broad chest. I’m glad he didn’t hug me or anything. I would’ve totally lost it. “It’s fine.” A blatant lie. He tilts his head like he knows it, too. His smile is a reassuring one. “I bet your mom will be out of there in no time.” “I hope so—” My eyebrows knit together. “Wait, how did you know I was talking about my mother?” Hayden’s leg collapses for a second. His entire face turns an even deeper shade of burgundy this time. Plum, even. “Sorry. When you said ‘she,’ I…I just assumed.” I peer at him closely. Does he have a sixth sense? I cast my mind back to our morning biology class, a lifetime ago, where he seemed to react to what I was thinking. Then there was the “last resort” comment, which echoed my thoughts about Eden exactly. Maybe we’re in tune somehow. It also could be my imagination running away with me. Wouldn’t be the first time. But am I also imagining the electric current pulsing in the air? I shake my head. Of course I’m imagining it. I’m letting Angie’s melodramatic influence get to me. She believes in romanticisms like sparks flying and chemistry bubbling between two people. The only electricity here is coming from the power lines running parallel to the road. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” I say, keeping my fingers crossed that Hayden really isn’t a mind reader. “But don’t spread it around.” He nods solemnly. “I won’t tell anyone. You can trust me.” My stomach churns as I look at Eden. Once again, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s the wrong place for Mom. “I take it visiting hours are over?” Tossing my head, I say, “They don’t have visiting hours, period. I’m surprised I got in today at all.” “That’s weird.” He stares at me for a long while. “You’ll get back in there.” “Oh, I intend to.” Sighing, I say, “I’d better head home, though. There’s not a lot I can do about it now.” Short of a court order. Or maybe a SWAT operation. “Right.” He snaps his fingers. “I’ll get out of your way.” “Thanks. And, uh, you’d better follow me.” I hide a grin. “Can’t have you driving aimlessly. You might end up in Canada.” He laughs, sheepish. “It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. Besides, I need to stop for gas. I don’t want to hold you up.” We lean on our respective car doors and stare at each other, just ten feet apart. It doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. Then I remember how it doesn’t seem like he’s gelled with anyone at school yet. He must be dying for company. “Hey, uh, you should come to the lake party tonight,” I say. “Hang out for a bit.” “T-together?” His doubtful expression drills a tiny hole in my heart, but I push that aside. “We don’t have to go together together. I mean, it’s a traditional senior class thing and you’re new in town and people are curious about you.” Hayden recoils. I’m not sure if that’s because he finds my rambling distasteful or if he’s uncomfortable about being thought of as a curiosity. “Uh…” “Look, no pressure. It’ll just be kids standing around a bonfire and seeing who can burp the loudest and longest. And that’s just the cheerleaders.” A deep, genuine laugh erupts from Hayden, making me feel like a comedienne. “I’ll think about it. But just to let you know, I’m physically incapable of burping, so I’d sit that contest out.” Rolling my eyes, I say, “Sure, Hayden. But one day you’re gonna have to prove you’re human like the rest of us.” Find the Tour Schedule HERE.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR Australian Vanessa Barneveld lives in a 19th-century house in inner-city Sydney with a 21st-century husband, two eccentric cats and one ghost—all of whom provide inspiration for her spirited novels. In addition to her writing career, she’s part of a crack team that produces closed captions for deaf TV viewers and audio descriptions for the blind. An avid traveler, she enjoys the journeys almost as much as the destinations. She freely admits to being food motivated and will stop at nothing to find the perfect hot chips wherever she roams around the world. Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Giveaway Details: One (1) winner will win a $15 Amazon gift card! To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below.  
Worlds collide for both young and mature readers, who will love the fast-paced thrills, chemistry between characters, and interplay of witchy fantasy, mythology, Celtic folklore, and reality in The Wise One—book one of The Scottish Scrolls series.
The Wise One (The Scottish Scrolls #1) By K.T. Anglehart
Young Adult Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 254 Pages October 25, 2020 by Kat Biggie Press BOOK DESCRIPTION: Mckenna's never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move. Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she's always been told. Abigail, Mckenna's mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One. Whatever the hell that means. With the help of a persistent little wren and company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read. Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what's to come . . . before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within. Author K.T. Anglehart expertly weaves a story set in Ireland that is both timeless and unique, a perfect cross-market read for those searching for the next endearing urban fantasy classic. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Praise for the Book
"A heartwarming coming-of-age story with characters that resonate, rich European folklore, and enchanting details that tickle the senses long after the last page is read." --V. G. Anderson, author of The Light in the Sound 
BOOK REVIEW by LAWonder10: The Wise One is a very well-written tale of two young girls, each trying to deal with her individual devastating problems. They were brought together and felt a balance of strength.: Where one was weak, the other was strong. When McKenna felt an urgency, she was able to persuade Nissa to join he in her plight. This is an captivating mystic story. It is about self discovery, strong friendship, overcoming adversities, adventure, danger, trusting oneself and others, deception, other worlds reincarnation and much more. It ends on a couple of "cliff hangers" leaving the reader anxious for the next book. This is a great book to read at Halloween time! The characters all felt very real, events easily visualized and the Book Cover and Title were very "fitting". Although, slightly confusing at first, this is a fast-paced novel. It is never boring and smoothly flows between on event to another through different periods of time. *Warning: There are some sensual - non explicit - scenes, and some strong language used a few times throughout the book. The main characters is raised by two gay dads. I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating. I was gifted this book with no pressure to post a positive review. This s my honest review. 
About the Author
Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is a born and bred Italian-Canadian from Montreal. A devoted academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting; and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. After dabbling in TV writing and working as a digital marketing content manager, she left the nine to five to launch her freelance editing and coaching career. Today, she relishes in helping aspiring authors to develop and refine their stories. Besides English, Katrina speaks French, Italian, and Spanglish. When she's not writing, diving into magical reads, or Netflixing, she's travelling with her favourite human--her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy--and obsessing over her pet bunny, Magic, and newly rescued pup, Nessie. Katrina currently lives in Toronto, Ontario. Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
FIND TOUR SCHEDULE HERE.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: One winner will receive a print copy of 'The Wise One' (open to US, CAN and UK) Ends August 25, 2021 
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