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Crush by Carrie Banks Book Blitz + $25. GC Giveaway! {Ends 6/27/19}

6/19/2019

1 Comment

 
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​Book Details:
Crush (Sea Crest Series, #1) ​by Carrie Banks 
Publication date: June 18th 2019 | Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
          Ry…
          My world was black.
          I was living bottle to bottle. Only waking up for a new one.
      I was burning through girls. Loving them and leaving them. I swore that I’d never love again. The pain of losing it was too much. I was shutting that shit down.
        But then one summer night, I saw her standing there on the beach. The last rays of the sun glinted off her hair. Her shy smile captured me. She stole the heart I thought was dead. And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do, but let her take it and run.
        Tess...
        Sea Crest is a popular tourist town, but to me it’s just home.
        I’m an average girl who rarely strays from the middle of the road.
        But then… we collided.
        Me the local good girl and him… the damaged, mysterious new bad boy in town.
        My friends told me to stay away.  My gut told me to run.           
        But my heart’s a traitor that burned for him.
     This is more than a summer crush... this could be everything. But in this seaside town, image is the name of the game.
        Either you are in or you're out.
       The local good girl catching the eye of the hottest bad-boy who ever graced the halls of Pine Point Academy won't go over well.
       Time to up my game and fight for what I want.
       But by summer’s end, will I be the one left crushed?

Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon |

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AUTHOR BIO:
Carrie Banks writes new adult and teen fiction coming of age and romance books.
She loves chocolate, coffee and dogs!
In addition to writing, Carrie enjoys riding her favorite horse, Sienna, camping in Cape Cod and hanging out with her six nephews!


Author links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter |

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GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
  • $25 Amazon gift card
This grand prize giveaway - ends June 27th:
To enter this Giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter link below.
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


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Cover Reveal + Giveaway for Finding Me by Kelly Gunderman ! {Ends 6/21/19}

6/14/2019

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Finding Me by Kelly Gunderman
Publication Date: July 30, 2019 | Publisher: Swoon Romance
SYNOPSIS:
​   Can you ever truly love someone who robbed you of everything?
    Sixteen-year-old Claire Williams spends most of her days feeling angry and alone. After a car accident took her mother and Claire’s ability to walk, life in a wheelchair is the new normal.
    When she’s sent to live with her grandmother, away from school and friends, Claire has a chance for a fresh start. Just when Claire thinks she can handle things, she runs into Todd - the son of the man who caused the car accident.
    At first, Claire wants nothing to do with him, but the more time they spend together, the more she hates to admit her feelings. She’s slowly falling in love with Todd.
    Now, Claire’s father wants to move and take Claire with him. But she can’t go. Not now when everything is falling into place, and she’s just now finding herself. Claire’s defiant. She won’t leave Greenwood, her new friends, her grandmother, or Todd.
    Can Claire find the strength to let her dad go on with his life while leaving her behind to live hers, or will she allow the guilt and shame of surviving the accident pull her back under?

Link to Goodreads: | ~ Pre-order Link Amazon

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ABOUT the AUTHOR:
   Kelly Gunderman was born a child of the late eighties in small-town Pennsylvania. A bibliophile in her own right, she is hoping to one day surpass the number of pages she has turned with those she has written of her own accord.
    Having recently completed her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development, Kelly suddenly found herself with a bit more free time than usual, and began her immediately successful foray into blogging and Freelance Writing, which subsequently led to her renewed desire to finally put her ideas and imaginings “on paper.”
    Focusing primarily on the Young Adult genre, Kelly has recently finished and her first novel, Finding Me, which is set to be published in early 2019 by Swoon Romance.
    She currently resides in her original home town with her husband, their two daughters, and a few cats that constantly challenge the sanity of all with their ill-advised attempts at what can only be assumed to be world domination.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

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Giveaway Info:
 One (1) winner will get a Swoon Romance ebook title from a previous publication year of their choosing!
To enter the Giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter link below:

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


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Lost Horizon by Michelle Hercules Blitz & Giveaway! {Ends 6/21/19}

6/14/2019

0 Comments

 
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Book Details:
Lost Horizon (Oz in Space, #1) by Michelle Hercules 
Publication date: June 10th 2019 | Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
    A magical planet torn apart by war. A defiant space pilot cadet determined to save the ones she loves. The adventure of a lifetime.
    Oz like you have never seen before.
   Space Academy prodigy Dorothy Hanson doesn’t have time for love nonsense. She has one goal, complete the mission her parents started before their untimely death.
   When a cosmic disturbance hits the Kansas Space Station, Dorothy seizes that opportunity to go on her first space voyage. She didn’t expect to be sucked into a vortex nor land on a strange planet ravaged by war.
    Stranded, she must embark on a perilous mission to the Land of Oz, the only nation that possesses the technology to send her home. Three strangers join Dorothy in her quest, all carrying reasons of their own for reaching Emerald City. A man without memories marked with a strange symbol on his face. A cyborg with a chip on his shoulder and a mysterious past. And a scarred hellioncat plagued by nightmares in the dark.
    Dorothy doesn’t know if she can trust them, but as their journey progresses, their bond becomes stronger and Dorothy’s feelings evolve from suspicion to caring too much. Torn between contradicting emotions, she must find the strength to fight the evil forces that stack up against them along the way. Surviving the trip on the yellow road is priority number one, but can she survive losing her heart?

Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon |

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Lost Horizon Except 2
        The sky is midnight blue with no stars or any moons in sight. I feel so strange, staring at the alien canvas. It’s almost like there’s something wrong with it. There’s no sign of Mirus, which makes me worried the celestial being has left the orbit of Oz. The last time it appeared in our solar system, it only stayed for a few weeks.
     Toto becomes restless in my arms, as if he’s picking up on my somber mood. His movements remind me that my wrists are still bound.
         “Hey, Metal Pants. Can we stop now?”
         The cyborg whirls around. The shadows across the planes of his face make the sharp edges even more pronounced. His robotic eye shines blue for a moment before the light dims. 
          " Do you need to pee?”
        Heat rushes to my cheeks. I’m glad it’s dark and he can’t see how his simple question made me mortified for no reason.
          “Why are you getting all flustered? Are you one of those girls who gets embarrassed about everything?”
       My jaw drops. “How did you know … ugh, never mind. That special eye of yours has an infrared sensor, doesn’t it?”
          Even in the gloom, I catch the slight upturn of his lips. “Among other things.”
       “Dorothy’s wrists are still bound. Do you have anything that can cut through the bindings?” the sorcerer pipes in.
       “Right.” The cyborg approaches, stopping only one step away from invading my personal space. Involuntarily, tension spreads through my body, and I clutch Toto tighter.
          “Relax,” he continues. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
          “Are you implying I’m afraid of you?”
        He cocks his head to the side, his long bangs covering a portion of his face. “Your heartbeat says so.”
         “Stop reading my vitals with your freakish eye,” I snap.
       The cyborg’s chest expands right before he releases a loud gale of air through his mouth.                “Put your robo-dog down if you don’t want his body damaged.”
    Still glaring at him, I set Toto on the ground. The poor dog runs to the sorcerer, hiding between his legs with a whine.
        To show I’m not scared of the cyborg like Toto is, I lift my chin and raise my bound hands.             “All right. Do your thing.” When the cyborg arches one eyebrow, I amend. “Please?”
      He lifts his mechanical hand. From his index finger, a small knife slides out. In one swift move, he cuts the leather bindings from my wrists as if they were made out of butter.
       “That’s a sharp blade you have there. Planning on scalping anyone?” I rub my wrists.
        The cyborg grins again. “Not today.
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AUTHOR BIO:
USA Today bestselling author Michelle Hercules always knew creative arts were her calling but not in a million years did she think she would write a novel. With a background in fashion design she thought she would follow that path. But one day, out of the blue, she had an idea for a book. One page turned into ten pages, ten pages turned into a hundred, and before she knew, her first book, The Prophecy of Arcadia, was born.


Michelle Hercules resides in The Netherlands with her husband and daughter. She is currently working on the Legends of Gattica series.

Author links: Goodreads | Facebook |  Website |

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GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
  • 3x signed paperbacks of Lost Horizon + $30 Amazon gift card
This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours)
To enter the Giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter link below!
                                                                            RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


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The Demon Kiss by Juliana Haygert Blitz & Giveaway! {Ends 6/30/19}

6/13/2019

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Book & Author Details:
The Demon Kiss (Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy, #1) by Juliana Haygert 
 Publication date: June 13th 2019 | Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:     
      
A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons …
       Erin
I’ve been kept from the truth all my life. Demons walk the earth, and I’m destined to slay them–I only wish I hadn’t lost someone I loved while discovering that truth.
Now the demons are after me. The only way to stay alive is to attend an academy for demon hunters–a school where I’ll learn how to kill supernaturals and slay the underworld’s minions. But I still feel there are secrets I’m not being told …
       Rey
I sold my soul to save my family–and lost everything because of it. Now I’m a slave to the underworld, a fake hunter with half-demon blood.
I’ve been sent on a special assassination mission. If I fail, it means my life. But protecting Erin soon becomes more important than any other task, and there’s something about her that tells me her arrival at the academy will change everything …
***
An upper young adult paranormal romance novel set in the universe of the Rite World, this is a dark fantasy you won’t want to miss! Forge your weapons and cast spells in a school where demons are hunted and the hunters themselves become prey.

Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon

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AUTHOR BIO:
While USA Today Bestselling Author Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in North Carolina and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.
Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | 

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GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
  • Kindle Fire
  • Harry Potter Swag
  • Signed paperback of The Demon Kiss
This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours):
​To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below.
 

                                 RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!

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The Monster of Selkirk by C.E. Clayton Blog Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 6/20/19}

6/13/2019

3 Comments

 
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Book details:
The Duality of Nature (The Monster of Selkirk, #1) 
by C.E. Clayton 

Publication date: April 18th 2017 |  Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:   
  Monsters come in many forms, and not everyone knows a monster when they see one. After three hundred years of monstrous, feral elves plaguing the island nation of Selkirk, everyone believes they know what a monster is. Humans have learned to live with their savage neighbors, enacting a Clearing every four years to push the elves back from their borders. The system has worked for centuries, until after one such purge, a babe was found in the forest.
      As Tallis grows, she discovers she isn’t like everyone else. There is something a little different that makes people leery in her presence, and she only ever makes a handful of friends. 
     But when the elves gather their forces and emerge from the forests literally hissing Tallis’s name like a battle mantra, making friends is the least of her troubles. Tallis and her companions find themselves on an unwilling journey to not only clear her name, but to stop the elves from ravaging her homeland.
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | 

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The Monster of Selkirk- Book 1 - C.E. Clayton 
    This is a great suspense story. This story is fast to get your attention and hold it. I can't wait to read the next book of the series. The fantasy world they live in has wonderful creatures and awesome tales of the forests.
   The characters are so well-developed and easy to like. Their emotions are strong and easy to feel. I love Tallis, she is an awesome character. Her cousin Donovan is also a great guy. I love the way he looks out for her and takes good care of her. Tomas is also one of my favorite characters. He always works hard to please his friends and to help with everything.

   The story flows really well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
I highly recommend this story to others.
I give it a literary rating of 5/5
​written by vickie

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The Heart of the Forest (The Monster of Selkirk, #2) 
by C.E. Clayton 

Publication date: October 17th 2017 | Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:     
​    Tallis is learning how to deal with loss and violence as she and her friends traverse the forests of Selkirk trying to find the reason behind the elven uprising. Not to mention why they keep hissing her name. But the further into the forests they go, Tallis is finding that the elves’ depravity can still surprise her, and thoroughly test the bonds of friendship, family, and love.
   Tallis’s journey eventually leads to answers they’re not prepared for. Now Tallis begins to wonder just who she really is, and if she’s the evil that will end up destroying Selkirk. But she cannot stop to process these revelations, as an unforeseen betrayal lands those she loves at the feet of the very monster responsible for all the hurt, and heartbreak.
      Coming face to face with her foe, Tallis discovers all too late she has no idea how to deal with this level of pain, and death. One way or another, the monster’s path ends here, and all Tallis can hope to do is bring those she loves safely out of the heart of the forest.
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks |  Kobo |  Google Play |

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AUTHOR BIO:
C. E. Clayton was born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, where she attended the University of Southern California (Fight On!) for both her Bachelors and Masters, and then worked in the advertising industry for several years on accounts ranging from fast food, to cars, and video games (her personal favorite). After going the traditional career route and becoming restless, she went back to her first love–writing–and hasn’t stopped. She is now the author of “The Monster of Selkirk” series and her horror short stories have appeared in anthologies across the country. When she’s not writing you can find her treating her fur-babies like humans, constantly drinking tea, and trying to convince her husband to go to more concerts. And reading. She does read quite a bit. More about C.E. Clayton, including her blog, book reviews, social media presence, and newsletter, can be found on her Website .
Author links: GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | 

 Tour Schedule.
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Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)
  • Signed copy of the second book in the series, "The Heart of the Forest” + two exclusive character art prints
  • Signed copy of the second book in the series, "The Heart of the Forest” 
This grand prize giveaway - ends June 20th
Enter Giveaway by clicking on Rafflecopter Below.
                               RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


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Blog Tour & Giveaway for Lilac in Winter by Susan Pogorzelski! (Ends 6/21/19}

6/12/2019

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Lilac in Winter by Susan Pogorzelski\
Publication Date: May 26, 2019 | Publisher: Brown Beagle Books


Lilac Sophia Carpenter is sixteen years old. She’s going to be sixteen years old for the rest of her life.

Confined to her bed as her health declines, Lilac lives her life in daydreams, imagining her love story to her former best friend, Nathan Emery. But Lilac and Nathan haven’t talked since that fateful night—the night of her sister’s wedding, when her health worsened and his life unraveled and the already-fractured pieces of their friendship became irreparable.

With the comfort of her daydreams becoming more and more elusive, Lilac must decide if reality can be greater than her own imagination when there’s little time left for living.

Link to Goodreads | ~ Purchase Links: BAM | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD

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ABOUT THR AUTHOR:
Susan Pogorzelski is the award-winning author of Gold in the Days of Summer: A Novella.Her first full-length novel, The Last Letter, is a semi-autobiographical account of her experiences living with Chronic Lyme Disease and was an Honorable Mention in the 25th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. When she's not writing her own stories of nostalgia and the magic of everyday life, she works as a consultant, editor, and creative coach at Brown Beagle Books and is the founder of LymeBrave Foundation, Inc. She lives in South-Central Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

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Giveaway Details:

· One (1) winner will receive a physical copy of Lilac in Winter by Susan Pogorzelski
​
Enter Giveaway by clicking on Rafflecopter link.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


TOUR SCHEDULE
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June 11th, 2019

6/11/2019

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Love in Disguise by  Anneka R. Walker 
Paperback, 224 pages | ISBN: 1524409863 (ISBN13: 9781524409869)
Published June 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications

SYNOPSIS:
Marion Watt is set to embark on her first London Season, and her parents have spared no expense to help her secure a suitable husband. Unlike most of the social-climbing young women in her position, Marion has no desire to marry hastily or for anything less than love. But when she learns of her mother's declining health, she knows she must keep an open mind and allow herself to be courted. What she does not anticipate, however, is that the attentions of the insufferable Lord William Everton will be placed squarely on her. He might be the most sought-after bachelor of the Season, but she sees in him nothing but a frivolous cad.
Until William inherits his father's title and seat in parliament, he must rely on his own devices to change the world. Dressing like a ridiculous dandy serves its purposes, but he is certain his newest disguise will help him find a wife to please his parents and further his own agenda. From among the glittering group of debutantes, William finds only one woman who passes his test. Unfortunately, the perfect choice is the only woman in all of London who despises him.


Review By LAWonder10:
       This is a wonderful addition to your "Summer Read" collection.
     Marion is in her "Second Season" when she overhears devastating news. She must overcome her shyness and make herself available at the social events, so she ease her parents' burdens by getting married. In her endeavors, she is approached with one of the least desirable men she knows! She adores his family so accepts his courtship... That is, until the unheard of happens. Now What ?
     The plot has a "familiar ring" to it, yet, there are enough twists to keep the readers' interest. It, also, contains a hint of humor and mystery, along with the drama.
      The characters are very endearing. The scenes are "played out" in a manner one can feel he/she is there.
      I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating for this book.
     *This book was gifted me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.
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Win your own copy of Love In Disguise!

To Enter, Click on the Rafflecopter Link Below!
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


                            Presented by Covenant Communications Publishing
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Lunar Court by Aileen Erin Blog Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 6/17/19}

6/11/2019

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Book details:
Lunar Court (Alpha Girl #8) by Aileen Erin 
Published by: Ink Monster LLC | Publication date: June 11th 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:
From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin                          Chris is the guy Cosette always wanted.
    Fun. Funny. Lighthearted and sweet. Chris always manages to find beauty and laughter, even when fighting a chapel full of demons. He’s exactly what she needs. Except he’s a werewolf and she’s a member of the Lunar Court — the only fey court that holds sway over the werewolves. Even on his best day, Chris isn’t strong enough to last a few hours in the Lunar Court without becoming a slave. No matter how much Cosette’s heart wants him, she knows she has to let him go.

But when Chris goes missing, Cosette realizes how much she has to lose if the worst happens. Except her mother — the Queen of the Lunar Court — won’t let her go after Chris. Being forced to stay at court is dangerous for Cosette. Assassins keep coming after her, and unless she accepts a mate, it’s only a matter of time before one of them kills her.
       Cosette is the girl Chris has always dreamed of.
     Chris sees through the tough facade to the girl exhausted from a lifetime of fighting off assassins and court politics. She needs a true friend, someone who she can be herself around, and craves solitude. The same solitude that Chris craves. But he knows he’ll never be enough to survive in her world. So, when Eli — a mysterious archon — requests his help, he figures why not? The guy might be a little shady, but he needs every distraction he can get.
But when Eli says that Cosette’s in trouble, Chris is more than ready to play by Eli’s rules. At least until Eli takes him to the Court of Gales. Chris knows he’s about to play a very dangerous game. Bargaining with the fey is something only a desperate person would do. But what wouldn’t Chris give up to save Cosette’s life?
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play |

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Lunar Court by Aileen Erin
​

    I love the fantasy and magic in this story. The romance is also great!
    The characters are well-developed and it is easy to feel their emotions. My favorites of course are Chris, Cosette and Van. It was fun to follow them from court to court and to where Chris was from.
     The title of the book and the cover are a good match for the story.
     The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
     There is some profanity in the book.
     I recommend this book to those who love a great romance, fantasy and lots of action.
I give this book a literary rating of 5/5
written by vickie

                                                    ~ PRAISE! ~
​“These books go by so very quickly, with the pacing making me think I just started reading. I could gobble up a dozen of these novels!”
 – Carrie Reads a Lot
“Aileen Erin: You did a great job as usual and I’m so excited for Invocation and  Lunar Court.” – Lenniland 

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AUTHOR BIO:
Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.
Author links: WEBSITE | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | 


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​Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)
  • 5 Signed Copies of Lunar Court & more
This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours):
To Enter, Click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below!
RAFFLECOPER GIVEAWAY!


Find the schedule HERE.
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Blog Tour for Within and Without by Deborah Maroulis!

6/6/2019

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​Within and Without by Deborah Maroulis
Publication Date: May 28, 2019 | Publisher: Lakewater Press
SYNOPSIS:
    Some people go to great lengths to fit in. But how far is too far?
    After her parent’s divorce, sixteen-year-old Wren Newmann is forced to move from a small California town to her grandmother’s vineyard, where she’s convinced she’ll die a shriveled, wine-country virgin. Her dad’s gone
AWOL, her mom’s hooking up with anything in pants, and her best friend has found the love of her life.
    Apart from the annoying but cute Greek farmhand Panayis, who doesn’t appear to notice her awkwardness or thunder thighs, Wren’s life has hit an all-time low... That is until her own dating life improves unexpectedly when Jay, Wren’s long-time country crush, notices her. Yet, it’s as if people don’t want her to be happy, with their warnings and advice that perhaps Jay isn’t the right guy for her. But they don’t know, and Wren’s done being Beached Whale Girl. She’s determined to become social, skinny, and sexy, because Jay wants her—every part of her.
      Though her anxiety and secret purging sessions sing another warning that she finds hard to ignore. And when a
series of personal tragedies strikes, Wren’s life is flipped upside down and she’s left to pick up the pieces of her
broken relationships. Now, she must find the inner strength to decide if the illusion of being loved is worth sacrificing her health, and maybe even her life.
 
  ​Described as “unflinching and authentic,” WITHIN AND WITHOUT is a stunning debut that touches on a teenage girl’s emotionally haunting journey to self acceptance “that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.”
Purchase Links: BAM | Amazon | Chapters | B&N | TBD ~ Link to Goodreads:


PRAISE For...
      “Unflinching, authentic, and the perfect mixture of bold and sweet, WITHIN AND WITHOUT is a story readers will lose themselves in more than once. A debut both heartwarming and heartbreaking from an exciting new voice in YA literature.”
—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To
        “A moving portrait of first love, friendship, and the pressures we put upon ourselves daily.
Maroulis tackles the delicate subject of eating disorders with a realistic pen, all while maintaining a 
humorous and hopeful tone. WITHIN AND WITHOUT will stay with you long after you turn the last page.” --Samantha Joyce, author of Flirting with Fame
     “A heartfelt and moving story of friendship, first love, and finding yourself. Maroulis isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics to show that finding love requires learning to love yourself.”
—Kelly deVos, author of Fat Girl on a Plane
                          Guest Post: ~ Road to Publication ~

      I had this old-fashioned desk when I was little, like the kind the students used in Dead Poet’s Society. When I wasn’t playing school with my stuffed animals, I was writing stories. This habit grew into writing poetry, although my high school creative writing teacher told me I wrote better when I was depressed. He said my “good mood” writing made me sound like a cast-off greeting card hack.
      I did write when I was sad or going through something all through high school and even after. Once, my mom found it and asked if I needed to see a therapist. I told her writing was my therapy.
       Soon, writing went by the wayside of adulting and parenting. As an English teacher, I would tell my students about the lives of the writers we studied. My colleagues and I would joke that someday that would be us—we’d be the writers students studied in anthologies. But I never thought much past that.
      Then one Halloween, roughly three and a half years ago, I made the rash decision to try NaNoWriMo. I’d heard of it from some friends and was completely overwhelmed at the idea of writing 50,000 words in thirty days. I mean, who does that? I had to see if I could. After I handed out the last of the candy, I shut off the light and pulled out an old idea I’d been playing with—a story about what happens to the quiet girl when her best friend suddenly isn’t there anymore.
          A month later, I had 50,000 words of what I thought was a great story. There was drama, witty banter, bitter tears. Unfortunately, there were also clichés, stereotypes, and a lot of evidence I’d grown up in the 80s. I needed an editor.
       Through the process of researching editors, I found a plethora of writing resources—Writer’s Digest, Twitter, PitchWars, and a host of generous people willing to donate their time and talent. I immersed myself in the community and soaked up whatever I could.
             And then I started querying.
          After about fifty rejections, I was ready to tank the story and start something new. I figured I could use the old one to hone my craft, pull out scenes and try different techniques. Make myself a better writer, not just a story teller.
          So I did. And a funny thing happened. By letting go of trying to finish a product, I’d actually done just that. And it wasn’t bad.
​            I decided to try querying again, and this time, I got personalized rejections and feedback. I was making progress! But still, no yesses. As I was about to pack the story away for good, I came across a pitch contest on Twitter. I threw up a few pitches and tried to not check my notifications every five seconds.
            And then it happened.
       After some back and forth with a few publishers, I made the decision to work with Lakewater Press to publish Within and Without. And I’m so happy I did. I learned even more as I worked with my editor.
         Moreover, I was able to use what I learned through revising and apply it to another novel I’d written. That novel got me my agent. As Within and Without makes its debut, my other book baby will be headed out on submission. Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on my next project.
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                 ABOUT the AUTHOR:
      Born and raised in a small town in Northern California, Deborah Maroulis is lucky enough to surround herself with the things and people she loves. She teaches English and mythology at her local community college, studies myth and depth psychology in her Ph.D. program, and writes contemporary Young Adult novels. She lives in a slightly bigger town than the one she grew up in with her husband, newly-adult children, and her daughter’s very spoiled, semi-retired service dog.
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The Heart of a Vicar by Sarah M. Eden Blog Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 06/16/19}

6/3/2019

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​The Heart of a Vicar (The Jonquil Brothers #6) by
Sarah M. Eden 

Paperback, 268 pages | ISBN: 1524408611 (ISBN13: 9781524408619)
Published June 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications

SYNOPSIS:
    Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.
    When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

REVIEW by LAWONDER!):
   
The Heart of a Vicar is another of, talented writer, Sarah M. Eden's novels.
This is the 6th book of the Jonquil Brothers series, and did not disappoint.
    Harold Jonquil feels unsettled in his calling as Vicar. Was he really "cut out" for this? In the midst of his confusion, adding to it was an unexpected dinner invitation to dine at his eldest brother's home - not on the regular Sunday get=together- dinner. He was in a state of hock when he discovered unexpected guests.
     Sarah's heart was broken years ago by Harold Jonquil. They had been close friends for years and she truly loved him. The day before she left England to live in America, Harold ended their relationship in such a cruel way.
      Now years later, she and her brother have returned for him to take his place as heir of an estate. Can she ever forgive Harold enough to attend his services each week?
      This segment of the Jonqil series is delightfully intriguing with enough "twists" and events to keep the reader's interest, although at times, it is slightly repetitive.
        The characters are all endearing and individual. Each has his or her very unique attributes and "quirks". The scenes are very easily visualized. The Book Cover and title are "well- fitted" but the Cover fails in attracting "the Browser's" eye.
      For a great, relaxing "Summer read" this is perfect.
I offer a solid Four Stars rating.
*This book was sent by the publisher with no request for a positive review. This is my hone
st review.


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About Sarah M. Eden
​   
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review's 2013 "IndieFab Book of the Year" gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.
Twitter | Website

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​1 FREE Copy of The Heart of a Vicar
To enter, click on the RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY Link Below.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!


                  Presented by Covenant Communications Publishing
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