Feature and Follow Friday

Check out Parajunkee & Alison Can Read for more information on this Friday blog hop and to sign up and join the fun.

This week a question.

How important is good writing to you? In an ideal world, a book would be beautifully written AND have great character development, plot, etc. But in the real world, which do you prefer: (1) Great characters and plot with lousy writing or (2) Middling character development and plot but gorgeous writing

Great characters. If a book doesn't have characters that I care about and love, then it doesn't matter how fantastic the plot is or how beautiful the writing...I'm out. 

Happy Friday!

Armchair BEA Introduction

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from? 

I'm Meredith! I've been blogging almost a year now. Oh wow...when is that blogoversary?? Oh my, I may have missed it?? Wow, as you can see I've been a bit busy :) I got into blogging to share my love of reading and to share that love with my BFF and co-blogger Jen. We may live thousands of miles a part, but believe it or not we talk books every day!  I'm currently blogging from south Florida...although I would LOVE for that to change. 

2. Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online. 

Our blog is a variety of great books and good fun. Ok, my brain is a bit fried so I couldn't come up with something a bit more catchy...

You can find me on Twitter as @MeredithRaeJ and Jennifer is @JenniferCane

3. What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ . 

We both love YA. A lot. You can tell from all of our teams and banners. But, I also have soft spot for romance. Anything that makes me SWOON. So adult, new adult it's all good as long as I fall in love. 

4. What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year? 

Oooo tough question. Thanks to my job (which I thank my blogging for getting) I *may* have read a really AMAZEBALLS book that isn't out yet. Honestly that would be my fave, but since it hasn't release I won't count that. So instead I'll go with Alienated by Melissa Landers. I just adored it. Oh, or maybe The Fiery Heart. I think I read that this year. Of course then there is also Drop of Doubt from The Academy series. Def one of my faves.

5. What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like? (Pinterest encouraged!) 

Ok boring answer....the couch. But I do like to read at the beach, or at my favorite library out on the deck outside overlooking a beautiful lake. Yes, it's that amazing. And they have a coffee bar. Seriously I could spend all day there. And at times I do ;)

6. What is your favorite blogging resource? 

I'm a HUGE Parajunkee fan. 

7. Spread the love by naming your favorite blogs/bloggers (doesn’t necessarily have to be book blogs/bloggers). 

As I mentioned I'm a huge Parajunkee fan. I also love Entangled in Romance. I love hosting events with Mel, Erin, and Regina Read a Lot. Plus I just love their reviews. They are a riot ;) And I love staying up to date with the writing world with Brenda Drake. 

8. Share your favorite book or reading related quote. 

All time favorite book? Would have to be Harry Potter. I just adore that series. Of course Lux, Bloodlines, and The Academy come in a close second. 

Quote would definitely come from The Outsiders...Stay gold Ponyboy!

9. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 books would you bring? Why? What 3 non-book items would you bring? Why? 

See above lol. And I'd bring a giant umbrella (fair skin), a cushy chair (for comfort), and a cooler filled with Coke...and a few waters. 

10. What book would you love to see as a movie? 

Toss of between the Bloodlines series (Helllllooooo Adrian) and The Academy (talk about eye-candy).

So that's it from me. I can't wait to meet all of you ;) I'm off to hop around some blogs now. 

Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Shadow Fire

Favorite Quotes

The villagers will be awaiting my return, skulking in the shadows, desperate to catch a glimpse of the walking dead girl. ~Ashlyn

After all, love conquers nothing but fools. ~Delistaire

Perhaps you shouldn’t have chased the poor pirate all over the ship shooting light daggers at him. ~Zane

How would you like a tour of this grand vessel, my angelic beauty? I’ll show you my favorite trysting spots. ~Taranis

Praise for shadow Fire

"Shadow Fire has something for everyone: suspense, love, action, adventure…all woven together perfectly making this debut novel a winner." ~ BTS Book Reviews

"I thought the writing was strong; it had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The characters were engaging and the dialogue well-written." Lisa Temple ~ Author of Illuminating Gracie

"Oh, I truly loved this one! Shadow Fire, by Kimber Leigh Wheaton, is a snappy, sassy, sweet, all-that-kind-of-awesome-and-then-some YA read. I couldn't put it down." Sasha Hibbs ~ Author of Black Amaranth

"It is a beautiful love story surrounded by mystery, adventure, and magic." Christy ~ Amazon Reviewer

“I have to say that this is one of the best books I've read this year… From a breathtaking cover to a Must Read story. This is one book you won't put down!” ~ Crossroad Reviews

Shadow Fire

Light Chronicles Book 1

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Fantasy Romance

Amazon

$0.99 May 25 - May 30

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.

All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Each installment of the Light Chronicles is a standalone story.

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in the Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming August 2014. Also watch for Tortured Souls, a YA paranormal romance, coming July 14, 2014.

Author Links:

Website

Twitter

Goodreads

Facebook

Once Upon a YA Book

Pinterest

Giveaway!!

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Cane is on SALE for $0.99! Get Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris NOW!

SEVEN DAY FIANCE

by Rachel Harris

TODAY ONLY

 Get Cane NOW!

Amazon

B&N

One bad boy. One good girl. One unforgettable week.

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning him at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little fiancé game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong families are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, she firmly believes life’s problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations. She homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches way too much Food Network with her amazing husband.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and losing herself in story. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

Cover Reveals: Tore Divided Love by K.D. Ferguson and Falling by Brooke Kennedy and Briana Gaitan

Tore Divided Love

by K.D. Ferguson 

Release Date: 06/06/14

Summary from Goodreads:

A future set in stone.

For eighteen year old Krissa Channing a government ruled pairing with Braiden Connor and a move to Headquarters were her set fate. Until Braiden's sudden disappearance threatens Krissa’s entire future.

After months of endless worry, Krissa has an unexpected meeting with Duke, a perfect suitor that could offer her the future she’s always dreamed of. Just when she begins to regain hope, Braiden returns.

Now, Krissa must find where her heart truly lies. Torn between two loves, she must decide which of their worlds she belongs in. But is such a decision even possible when the choice rests between freedom and love?

Link to Book One:
(cover linked to Goodreads)

About the Author
I have recently released my first book, Torn-True Love, published by Rebel Ink Press. I am thrilled to be a part of the family!

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Falling

by Briana Gaitan and Brooke Kennedy

Release Date: Fall 2014

Book Summary:

She fell in love.

He fell from everything he believed in.

Arie Raines is your top notch deadly bounty hunter, equipped with the latest in weapon technology and a temperamental streak. Underneath her hard exterior, however, she has always wished for one thing: true love.

Finlay is a guardian seraph, sworn to protect mortals and fight against the evil fallen. With his good looks and charming wit, he's never been interested in settling down. In fact, he does whatever it takes to make life as pleasurable as possible.

When their worlds collide, it will change both of their lives and the entire planet as they know it. For they are they are a part of something bigger, something they could have never imagined. - 

 

About the Authors

Brooke Kennedy and Briana Gaitan are southern natives, self-proclaimed geeks, and have been writing together for over 10 years! They have written short stories, fan-fictions, novels, and plays both together and separately. They are avid fans and writers of supernatural, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance novels.  One of their goals is to write stories where there are no limits to the imagination, giving you something new and fresh each time.

Briana enjoys books, shopping, fashion, adventures and has spent countless hours dreaming of a life in space. She finds time to write in between hanging out with her three children and her husband, as well as finishing up a degree in marketing.

Brooke enjoys music, books, family & friends, and spending time with her husband and incredibly entertaining guinea pig.  She has obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in mental health counseling from Tennessee Technological University.

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Goddess Born by Kari Edgren Book Blast & Giveaway

Goddess Born 

Pennsylvania, 1730 Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal. A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it’s Selah’s sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there’s no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed. When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope—that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch. But when news of Samuel’s death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice—forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

2013 RWA Golden Heart© Finalist

2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semifinalist

ABNA Publisher Weekly Reviewer
Set in the colony of Pennsylvania in 1730, this riveting novel begins as 18-year-old Selah Kilbrid runs into Quaker minister Nathan Crowley, a man who “labor[ed] under the delusion that [Selah] would soon be his wife” despite the fact that she was betrothed to a man on his way to America from Ireland. Nathan tells Selah that if she refuses him, he will have her “charged as a witch” because of her ability to heal the sick. To avoid Nathan’s plan to marry her the following Sunday, she leaves for Philadelphia to wait for the arrival of her betrothed and marry him before returning home. In Philadelphia, she discovers that her betrothed has died at sea. She then purchases Henry, an indentured servant, and convinces him to pose as her husband and help protect her from Nathan. As the story continues, the reader learns of Selah’s family history and the powers she possesses; Selah is half human, half goddess. It's important that her secret stay safe, because if discovered, she could be killed. The characters are well developed and relatable; the reader empathizes with Selah and her plight. The fast-paced plot is exciting and keeps the reader guessing and in suspense. The end leaves room for a sequel, which, after such a tremendous beginning, would be anxiously awaited. A clear winner!  



Author Kari Edgren

Kari Edgren did not dream of becoming a writer. Instead, she dreamed of everything else and was often made to stay inside during kindergarten recess to practice her letters. Despite doting parents and a decent school system, Ms. Edgren managed to make it through elementary school having completed only one book cover to cover – The Box Car Children, which she read approximately forty-seven times. Things improved during high school, but not until she read Gabrielle Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude in college, did she truly understand the power of a book. Ms. Edgren aspires to be a Vulcan, a world-acclaimed opera singer, and two inches taller. She resides in the Pacific NW where she spends a great deal of time torturing her husband and children with strange food and random historical facts. Ms. Edgren hasn’t stopped dreaming, but has finally mastered her letters enough to put the stories on paper.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook

 

Tour Schedule

Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Limelight Series by Elisabeth Grace -- Picture Perfect & Rumor has it

Picture Perfect (Limelight #2)

by Elisabeth Grace

Picture Perfect (Limelight, #2)  

*****THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*****

Being the daughter of a big-city mayor, twenty-one year old Skye Summers has giant shoes to fill in her first real job out of college. With the public spotlight on her family, and her dad’s expectations running high, she jumps at the chance to work side-by-side on an important project with her sexy new boss.

Playboy entrepreneu...more *****THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*****

Being the daughter of a big-city mayor, twenty-one year old Skye Summers has giant shoes to fill in her first real job out of college. With the public spotlight on her family, and her dad’s expectations running high, she jumps at the chance to work side-by-side on an important project with her sexy new boss.

Playboy entrepreneur Landon Steele has built a successful entertainment PR firm and broken more than a few hearts along the way. He’s counting on his enthusiastic new assistant to help him expand his business into LA… until he discovers she’s a pampered rich girl who’s in the public spotlight as much as his famous clients. Still, he agrees to give her a chance, and soon the two are heating up the bedroom as well as the boardroom.

But when Skye’s ex-boyfriend threatens to reveal a dangerous secret from her past, her job, relationship with Landon, and her father’s career are suddenly all on the line. Will she be forced to leave Landon? Or will she pursue her heart, regardless of the cost? 

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***

Jennifer's Review:

Picture Perfect is the second book in the Limelight series by Elisabeth Grace. You can read it as a standalone but I would recommend reading Rumor Has It first. We meet Skye in that book as Ellie's best friend and you do get to know her a little bit. You can see my review of Picture Perfect below :-0)

This story is about Skye and Landon.
Skye is a smart,nice girl who comes from very politically involved family. She's been groomed on how to act in the public eye and to realize you are always in it. In the beginning of this story she has dumped her boyfriend Vic -- he was controlling, abusive, and a major jerk. Thank goodness the story kicks of with her dumping him!

Landon: Well, what's not to love about him? You really can't blame Skye for falling for him the way that she did. Despite being a young guy in his 20s, he is extremely driven, loyal, and successful. He definitely wasn't looking for love but instead was focusing on his career..... but in comes Skye to....well you must read the book to find out:-)

Vic: there is not much that is appropriate to say other than he is beyond a Jerk.

Background characters: I liked them! Skye's parents were supportive, loving and nice. This was great to read. Co-workers -- they were very background in this book but thankfully none we're mean (and it totally could of gone that way). 

My only issue (minor) - one of the "problems" that Skye and Landon faced (Landon's issue) I thought was not needed in the book -- it was introduced last minute'ish and resolved quickly. So I can't say that it bothered me that much as it was pretty over right after it started -- it just wasn't necessary.

Overall, this book is an easy read: fun, well paced,  and light but still with some really steamy parts and some laugh out loud parts.  I am a huge fan of dual POV and this one did not disappoint. The POV switched between Skye and Landon, which added an extra depth to the story. I would recommend this book for mature readers looking for a fun, light read.

Rumor Has It (Limelight, #1)   

***THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE***

All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force y...more

Rumor Has It (Limelight #1)

by Elisabeth Grace

***THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE***

All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason's celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**

Jennifer's Review:

 Ellie literally falls through the window and lands on the bathroom floor of hip-hop star Mason Nash. With a beginning like that what's not to like? The chemistry and the banter between Mason and Ellie from that point on was AMAZING!

The book alternates between Ellie's and Mason's POVs which is great!. 

Mason --- The perfect mix :-) So sweet and sexy. Great chemistry with Ellie and a good background story.

Ellie -  She graduated from college and is having trouble finding her dream job. So in the meantime while searching she has to move back in with her mom. Her mom is more like a daughter than a mother to Ellie. To top it all off --she becomes "famous" for a you tube video that gets posted.  What happens with this video posting was very foreign and totally rude/crazy to me -- but that being said unfortunately it does not seem that far off base in today's world.

In summary this story was flirty, sexy, funny, and just plain sweet. I recommend to any mature reader looking for a fun, HEA story. You will have fun with Ellie and Mason as they navigate their way through the being in the spotlight. Their romance was quick but it worked for me in this book.
 

Brand new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle!

COVER REVEAL!

Brand new covers for 
Lancaster House 
and 
The Middle Aisle!

~A paranormal romance series by Taylor Dean~

I love my OLD covers. (Pictured on the left.) I really do. They're different from the norm and that's why they captured my attention.

For Lancaster House, I liked the idea of a hand reaching out from the grave. It seemed appropriate to the story; Andre reaches out to Zoe from beyond the grave. It was Carrie-like and kind of creepy.

There's just one problem.

This is not a horror novel. Not at all. This is a paranormal romance. People who like horror are drawn to the cover and are sadly disappointed when they realize it's a romance.

People who love paranormal romance are turned off by the cover because it looks too creepy.

In other words, the cover just wasn't working.

I love The Middle Aisle cover because it matched Lancaster House so perfectly. And part of the story takes place in Monterey, California. Monterey is known for its Cypress trees. The tree on the cover of The Middle Aisle reminded me of a Cypress tree and seemed perfect.

But, if the right people aren't reading the first book, no one will ever read the second one no matter what the cover looks like!

Bam! Decision made!

It was time for new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle! I love the new covers because they speak so perfectly as to what's on the inside.

Without further ado, here they are, the new covers!

Add

Lancaster House

to

 

GOODREADS

 

Lancaster House

on

Amazon

 

 

Add

The Middle Aisle

to

GOODREADS

 

The Middle Aisle

on

Amazon

 

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

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