Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop - Win Sloane Wolf

Welcome to the

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop

July 27th to August 1st

Hosted by Colorimety & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

My Giveaway:

An electronic copy of my paranormal romance, Sloane Wolf. For a chance to win, please leave a comment with a way to contact you, answering this question: What sort of paranormal character would you like to spend a Lazy Day in Summer with? Or just say hi and tell me that you'd like to win! Extra entries for following the blog, twitter, etc. - be sure to leave a separate comment for each. Good luck, thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the hop!

About the Book:

For more than a hundred and fifty years, the gray wolf has failed to roam the hills of Massachusetts, leading to the belief that they are extinct. But with a spattering of sightings across the Berkshires, the legend of the gray wolf comes to fruition. The product of that legend, Micah Sloane will go to great lengths to protect his kind from the threat of outsiders, who seek to exploit the legend for their own interests. One thing he didn’t count on, however, was finding his soul mate in the company of such men.

From the first time she predicted a stranger’s imminent death when she was little more than a child, Shiloh Beck knew she was different. Wishing to cultivate her gift, her parents made the fateful decision to enroll her in a private school for paranormally gifted children. Unbeknownst to them, the school was just a front for a research facility simply called the Institute, whose secret board members weaned gifted children from their families to exploit their gifts. Shiloh has spent the better part of her life trying to escape the Institute and reunite with the family she was told had abandoned her.

From their first meeting, Micah and Shiloh share a connection that goes beyond the normal to bond them in a way that love alone cannot. But before they can build a life together, they must deal with the fall-out when the legend of the wolves collides with the men behind the Institute.

Abandon by Meg Cabot: A Review

About the Book:

After the accident, 17 year old Pierce tries to start over. But even after moving to a new town and starting a new school, he still keeps showing up — always when she least expects him, but exactly when she needs him most.

One thing she knows for certain: John Hayden may be irresistible, but he’s no angel. 

But if Pierce lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself spending all of eternity in the one place to which she swore she’d never return . . . .

. . . his world: The Underworld.


(from the Author's website)


My Review:


I think I'm like many people out there who have a fascination for Greek mythology, which would explain the resurgence of it in out culture lately (hello, Clash of the Titans!), no more so than in literature. Everywhere you look these days, there is some rendition or another of famous - and maybe not so famous - Greek myths. Of those, the tale of Hades and Persephone seems to be the most popular. There are many different renditions of it and I have read quite a few, but I have to say that, to me, the one who got it absolutely right is Meg Cabot. In her hands, this story becomes a masterful work that is both engaging and thrilling.


One of the issues I have with other retellings is with the heroine, the Persephone-ish character. In some cases, she comes off as too weak, in others as kind of whiney, and her interactions with the hero might leave the reader to wonder, Why does Hades love her so much? But in Abandon, the author strikes just the right balance with the character, here in the persona of Pierce Oliviera. From the very first, I was drawn to her, curious about her story and the aftermath of her accident. From the first, she was presented as an interesting character that I wanted to know more about. And the way she dealt with the Hades character seemed more natural and organic to the plot. I liked that she wasn't immediately awed or cowed by him. Yes, she was a little wary of him, but when she encountered him on the other side, she had no problem going toe to toe with him - but not in a I'm-a-princess-I-want-to-get-my-own-way kind of manner. It was more like she was calling him out to do the right thing. And she wasn't a wishy-washy type who just waited around for someone else to save her. She actually tried to do something for herself. All in all, she was just a more likable heroine than others before her.


As was the Hades character, in the form of John Hayden. The author strikes just the right balance of mystique, machismo, and angst with John. He is shown in some telling moments of humanity, whether they be tender or terrifying, as he wages a battle over his feelings for Pierce and the problems she presents to him. Whatever else is going on, he is always there when she needs him most - which is more than can be said about some of the people who profess to care about her, and the relationship progresses in a way that just seems right, natural. Not forced, as in some other renditions. This relationship just seems real, like it really could happen despite his role in life. I never once questioned why he was interested in Pierce or the fact that they were supposed to be together. I believed it to be true.


Aside from Pierce and John, Abandon is filled with interesting characters, a few of whom might seem stereotypical at first, but, boy, do they surprise you! Suffice to say, all is not quite as it seems at the outset. There are some interesting surprises, some of which will have you thinking, I didn't see that one coming. I know I did. The same with some of the plot twists. The way they were all woven together with the myth of Hades and Persephone was just masterful and I ate up this nugget of gold in less than a day. All I can say is - I need to get my hands on the sequel, Underworld, ASAP!


Final Verdict: Amazing book by an amazing author. Once again, Meg Cabot delivered and made this my favorite rendering of the Hades/Persephone myth. So if you want to read a modern take on the myth, this is the one to read. Highly recommended. 

Ravencraft's Romance Realm: RRR Anniversary Giveaway!

Ravencraft's Romance Realm: RRR Anniversary Giveaway!: Coming July 23, 2012.... Join us in celebration of Ravencraft's Romance Realm's One-Year Anniversary!!! Celebrate with u...

The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll: Kindle Fire Giveaway

The Baby Matrix

by

Laura Carroll

About The Baby Matrix:

Why does our society hold the belief that we are all destined to have children? Why do we believe that parenthood is the ultimate road to fulfillment in life? In The Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction Will Create a Better World, author Laura Carroll answers these questions and more through an exploration of and critical look at the pervasiveness of “pronatalism” – the belief that having children should be the central focus of every adult’s life. Carroll examines the historical origins of pronatalism, the reasons why it has such a deep hold on societies even though most people remain unaware of it, and whether it makes sense – for individuals or for the world as a whole. She shows the ways in which pronatalism is perpetuated, scrutinizes seven major pronatalist assumptions that lead people to accept them without question, and offers alternative mindsets that reflect realities, true reproductive freedom and responsibility in today’s society. Whether you are already a parent, want to be a parent, or don’t want children, you will never think about parenthood in the same way.

Investigating what few have had the courage to discuss, The Baby Matrix examines the negative effects of pronatalist beliefs, including how they dictate the “normal path” to adulthood, put unwarranted pressure on people to have biological children, and fail to foster a society in which those who are best suited to become parents are the ones who have children. Carroll also brings to light the impact that pronatalism has had on the world at large and will continue to have if its ubiquitous influence is not challenged. Citing compelling statistics, she shows how our belief that we can have as many children as we want is a serious threat in a world with finite resources. In the process, she brings into focus how every life brought into the world directly affects our survival. This manifesto makes the case for why it’s time for all of us to understand why we can no longer afford to leave pronatalist assumptions unquestioned.

Without compromise, The Baby Matrix is a reality check for us all. Are we willing to hold on to beliefs that aren’t necessarily true … even to our detriment? This book will make you examine your own intentions and beliefs, will rile you, and might just change your mind. The Baby Matrix is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, sociology, anthropology, parenting issues, environmentalism, and social justice. But most of all, it’s for anyone, parent or not, who reveres the truth and wants the best for themselves, their families, and our world.




About the Author:

Laura Carroll is the author of The Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction will Create a Better World, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, and Finding Fulfillment From the Inside Out. In addition to writing nonfiction books, she has worked over the last 15 years as a business and litigation psychology consultant and used her expertise in behavioral sciences, psychology, and communications to advise business, legal, and nonprofit professionals on their communications strategies and goals. Laura is a seasoned leader of personal and professional development seminars, and has appeared on a variety of television shows, including Good Morning America and The Early Show. She has been a guest on many radio talk shows to discuss social science topics. You’ll also find her online at her nonfiction book site, LiveTrue Books, and her top blog, La Vie Childfree.

To get your copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Parenthood-Reproduction/dp/0615642993/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-2

Pick up your paperback copy at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-baby-matrix-laura-carroll/1110625478

To get your e-copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll for your Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Reproduction-ebook/dp/B0081HSF3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-1

To learn more about Laura, go to her website: http://lauracarroll.com/

Visit Laura Carroll on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LauraCarroll88

Like Laura Carroll on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Families-of-Two-Childfree-and-Beyond/139821682696375 




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Home Is Where The Heart Is: The One-Link Lowdown on....Margay Leah Justice

Home Is Where The Heart Is: The One-Link Lowdown on....Margay Leah Justice: My guest today, Margay Leah Justice, is a gal who dodges life's curve balls with style and grace, and I'm sure she'd be the first to admi...

Anger Mastery by Kevin B. Burke and Nook Tablet Giveaway

Anger Mastery Virtual Book Publicity Tour 2012 

+ Nook 8GB Tablet Giveaway

About the Book:

Author Kevin B. Burk wants to make you angry. Burk believes that getting angry is the first step to happiness, and his newest book, Anger Mastery: Get Angry, Get Happy shows you how.

“Anger is like fire,” says Burk. “When you master it, it’s a powerful source of energy. If you don’t master it, however, it can be dangerous and destructive.” More importantly, Burk asserts, until you master your anger, other people will steal your energy, your power, and your ability to be happy.
The Anger Mastery Process has three phases. In Phase 1, you learn how to use more of your own energy, which makes it harder for other people to steal it from you. (This involves going to the gym at least five times a week.) You also learn how to leave Victim Consciousness and move into integrity by answering the question, “Whose business is it?”

Phase 2 of the Anger Mastery process helps you to stay out of Victim Consciousness by learning how to feel Safe. You meet your Safety Needs with a tool called the Present Moment Awareness Safety Meditation, available for free at www.GetAngryGetHappy.com.

By the time you complete Phase 2, you will already notice significant changes in your life. In particular, you will have considerably more energy. Phase 3 shows you how to use that energy to become truly, completely happy.

Anger Mastery is not your typical book on anger. Not only is Burk’s approach unique, but also the book itself is laugh-out-loud funny. “Humor is a powerful tool to shift consciousness,” said Burk. “Laughter instantly transforms anger. Plus, funny sells more books.”





My Review:

I was interested in this book mainly because my younger daughter has some anger issues (related to anxiety/depression issues, among other things) and I'm always looking for ways to help her. So when I first became aware of this book, I was very eager to read it and see if it might help. Although it's very slim, (always a good thing when you're pressed for time like me) and written in a manner that even a computer geek like my daughter can understand, I wonder if it will be a real help to her.

For one thing, one of the suggestions for a person to do in Phase I of the program (there are three phases) is to get a gym membership and go exercise five times a week. Well, that won't work for a variety of reasons, one being that she had back surgery not too long ago and is still pretty stiff from it, and another, more important, one being that she's borderline agoraphobic and definitely has some social issues. In short, she doesn't like to leave the house unless she has to (or there's a good incentive for her to do so) and she doesn't like being around people, especially a room full of strangers, when she does.

All that aside, there are some wonderful aspects of this book that need mentioning. The first is the ease of reading; it's almost like an old friend is explaining medical jargon to you in terms that you can understand. Another is the descriptions the author offers for anger itself. Check out Chapter 7 for an interesting look at anger - and the things that could easily be mistaken for it. All in all, I think this book can stand as a quick guide to what anger is, but for real issues with anger management, you should still work with a mental health professional.



About the Author:

Kevin B. Burk has been helping people around the world to improve their lives and relationships since 1996 through his astrological counseling and relationship coaching practice. His humor, wisdom and compassion are always present, in his books (ten so far, including Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart, The Relationship Handbook: How to Understand and Improve Every Relationship in Your Life, and his newest book, Anger Mastery: Get Angry, Get Happy), his classes and workshops, and his interactions with his clients and students. Kevin’s focus is always on the practical, exploring how we can actually use astrology and spiritual practice on a daily basis to transform our lives.

In the astrology world, he is best known for making Classical Astrology accessible to everyone, taking complex and abstract concepts and showing how they can be used to create concrete, specific and practical interpretations. Kevin’s website, The Real Astrology with Kevin B. Burk is one of the premiere astrology resources on the Internet. His book, Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart is a textbook used at Kepler University in their Undergraduate Astrology Degree program, and has been translated into Russian, and is currently being translated into Bulgarian. Kevin’s articles have appeared in The Mountain Astrologer, the Australian publication,Well Being Astrology, and in Llewellyn’s Moon Sign books.
In the non-astrology world, Kevin is best known for his unique approach to understanding and improving all human relationships through The Relationship Handbook andThe Relationship Workshops.

Kevin has released a series of DVDs of his Law of Attraction workshops: the self-contained Prosperity & The Law of Attraction, and Astrology & The Law of Attraction, a series of 7 DVDs recorded live in Houston, TX at a weekend workshop for the Gulf Coast Chapter of NCGR.

Kevin has developed a revolutionary program for spiritual growth called Archetypal Astrology: The Hero’s Journey. This intensive program guides participants through the process of meeting and moving into Right Relationship with each of the seven Astrological Archetypes (you may know them as the seven personal planets).

Kevin is currently synthesizing astrology and spirituality into his next series of books: Astrology & The Law of Attraction, Prosperity & The Law of Attraction andRelationships & The Law of Attraction.
You can visit Kevin’s website at www.GetAngryGetHappy.com.

To get your paperback copy of  ANGER MASTERY by Kevin Burk: http://www.amazon.com/Anger-Mastery-Kevin-B-Burk/dp/0975968238

To purchase a copy of ANGER MASTERY at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anger-mastery-kevin-b-burk/1104012568

Buy the book directly from the author at www.GetAngryGetHappy.com

Like Kevin Burk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngerMastery


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Gift by Andrea J. Buchanan: A Review

Blurb:

High school sophomore Daisy Jones is just trying to get by unnoticed. It doesn't help that she's the new girl at school, lives in a trailer park, and doesn't even own a cell phone. But there's a good reason for all that: Daisy has a secret, unpredictable power-one only her best friend, Danielle, knows about. Despite her "gift" (or is it a curse?), Daisy's doing a good job of fitting in-and a cute senior named Kevin even seems interested in her! But when Daisy tries to help Vivi, a mysterious classmate in a crisis, she soon discovers that her new friend has a secret of her own. Now Daisy and her friends must deal with chilling dreams and messages from the beyond. Can Daisy channel the power she's always tried to hide-before it's too late?

My Review:

In a market glutted with paranormal themes of all kinds, this one stands out as truly unique. Daisy's "gift" is truly different than any other out there and the author does a wonderful job of unveiling it and weaving it into the story. But it's not your average paranormal story for another reason: interwoven within the story of Daisy's gift is another story, one from the past, which she thinks is only a nightmare. I won't give it away here, but suffice it to say that it is an intriguing tale in and of itself.
And the characters? I loved them, each for their own reasons. They are not just your stock characters. Each time you think you have them figured out, you will be proven wrong. Each has their own unique tie to the story (but which one?) and they are full-bodied and believable even within the context of a paranormal story.
There are some very interesting and intriguing twists and turns in this story that will leave you breathless with wonder - or holding your breath until you reach the very end. All in all, a very satisfying read.

Ednah Walters, Author of Betrayed: Guest Post and Giveaway

Into the Past

by 

Ednah Walters

Books from the present I wish I had at the ages 5, 11, 16 and 20.

Age 5 – I wish I had Amelia Bedelia (funny), Magic Tree House (informative), the Bailey School kids (they’ve been around, but are fun) and Magic School Bus (educational), Junie B. Jones (hilarious), ABC Mysteries and Carmen Jones Mysteries.

Age 11 – Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Pendragon series, Eragon series, Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine books, Alex Rider series, Artemis Fowl series.

Age 16 – Vampire Dairies, Vampire Academy, House of Night series, Hungers Games, Vladimir Todd series, Daughters of the Moon series, the Princess Diary series, Unwind and other books by Neil Schusterman, the Uglies, The Mortal Instrument series, The Immortal series, The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, Blue Blood series, Unearthly, The Iron Fey and many more….

Age 20 – Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Sherilyn Kenyon books, actually any romance-fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary and chicklit books. I read everything from romance to espionage as long as it is good.

And now for the giveaway! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter and good luck!



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Cover Reveal: Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes

Hey!! - here is cover for Uncontrollable (Book 2 in The Nature of Grace series) (What do you think?)

Launch is Sept 24th (yay!).

I am also having a cover contest so if you could let your readers know :) It will kick off Friday with cover reveal at srjohannes.com

Here is the summary

As Grace recovers from tragedy, her science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help with research on the new "Red Wolf Reintroduction Program".

While she’s excited about helping with the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, in a place she no longer feels comfortable. It also means working closely with Wyn (her ex) and his annoying girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of getting close to nature is growing silk plants.

After a couple wolves show up dead, Grace almost quits. When a fellow project team member goes missing, Grace continues the assignment under a renewed suspicion that someone might be sabotaging the conservation program. She quietly begins to hunt for clues. 

Little does she know, she is being hunted too.

And possibly by more than one person.

===================

PRAISES FOR UNTRACEABLE

"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!" -Kimberly Derting, author of the The Body Finder series (Harper Teen) and The Pledge series (S&S)

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." 

- Kirkus Reviews

"Johannes has done a marvelous job of creating a suspense-filled mystery with surprises that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Untraceable is a thoroughly engrossing and riveting page-turner."

-IndieReader

Bio

S.R. Johannes is the author of award-winning and Amazon bestselling Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and new tween paranormal, On The Bright Side. She has also published short novelettes as well as a teen romance anthology with 16 other authors titled, In His Eyes.  Uncontrollable, the sequel to Untraceable, is scheduled for September 2012.

S.R. Johannes is a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult) and was also recently nominated for as Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult).

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing.  She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.  

Home Is Where The Heart Is: The One-Link Lowdown on....Margay Leah Justice

Home Is Where The Heart Is: The One-Link Lowdown on....Margay Leah Justice: My guest today, Margay Leah Justice, is a gal who dodges life's curve balls with style and grace, and I'm sure she'd be the first to admi...

Enter to Win $75.00!

Want a chance to win $75.00?

Check out the contest on Lisa Renee Jonese's blog for details:

http://www.lisareneejones.com/win-75-every-time-if-i-were-you-sells-100/

A Book Spotlight and a Guest Post - A Few Places I'm Visiting

Hey, I'm taking a little jaunt around the web and would love for you to join me! You can catch my post on writing and the internet's influence here:


http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/?p=1343


And my book, Sloane Wolf, is spotlighted here:


http://catrianasmuse.blogspot.com/2012/07/131-special-guest-margay-leah-justice.html?zx=3312293b543e385b

I've Been Interviewed!

I'm excited to announce that I've been interviewed by Tammy at Fallen Angel Reviews! You can read it here and learn a little more about me, my writing and my latest release, Sloane Wolf!