Articles

Oct 25 2013

Guardian Halloween Contest

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Calling all creative readers! Sara Mack needs your help!

The Guardian Trilogy needs an awesome book trailer and a catchy FB Page Banner.

Guardian is a ghost story. It’s almost Halloween. Are you up to the challenge?

Celebrate Sara Mack’s favorite holiday & enter the Guardian Halloween Contest!

Here’s how:

#1 – Design your masterpiece by Friday, November 8th. You may create a book trailer, page banner, OR both!

#2 – Email your awesomeness to Sara at smackwrites@gmail.com. Let her know where you heard about the contest, too.

#3 – Sara and her beta readers will determine one book trailer winner and one FB banner winner. If you design both items, you could win both prizes!

These prizes are so good, they’re scary!

The winning book trailer creator will receive:

A signed paperback of Guardian (or Allegiant, if they prefer)

An ebook ARC copy of Reborn, the third book in The Guardian Trilogy

A $10 Amazon gift card

All three character bookmarks

The trailer posted on Sara’s blog, as well as FB,

and their name splashed across everything Sara can think of!

The winning FB Page banner creator will receive:

A signed paperback of Guardian (or Allegiant, if they prefer)

A $5 Amazon gift card

All three character bookmarks

A Guardian bumper sticker

The page banner displayed on FB for a minimum of two months, and their name splashed across everything Sara can think of!

Sound good? Then start gettin’ creative!

*This contest is sponsored by Sara Mack only

*This contest is open internationally. If a winner is chosen from another country and prize shipping costs exceed $20 US, Sara Mack reserves the right to replace the signed paperback with an ecopy.

Oct 13 2013

Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Synopsis

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.
It can return.
It can give you hope.
It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.
Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was. And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

Desperate to fill her time, Emma is intrigued by her mysterious new neighbor, Garrett. She’s never met anyone quite like him before, and, curious, she attempts to discover his past. Little does she know his presence will pull her into a world she could never imagine. A world that follows an ancient doctrine. A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

Allegiant is the second story in The Guardian Trilogy.
The third novel, Reborn, is complete and due to be published in February 2014.

My Review

Well, I can’t say that I am surprised…Sara Mack is lucky I live in New York, otherwise I would’ve resorted to kicking and screaming for a copy of Reborn…full on tantrum! That’s right Sara…how could you do this to me again? How? LOL.

To say this book is amazing is an understatement. Sara Mack continues to draw the reader into this complex world of love, loyalty and confusion. The characters all experience their own trauma at one point or another but they are all conflicted and all connected in some way. I had a few jaw dropping moments and I must say this is a cleverly crafted book. I could not believe the connections, the decisions made and the turn this book takes! The ending will leave you in a state of shock, but definitely craving more.

I love, love, love this book and I cannot wait for the final installment. I already know it is bound to be great. This is a fantastic follow-up to Guardian. The author has managed to…painfully…leave me hanging…again….I will reiterate my earlier sentiments from my review of Guardian that Sara Mack is indeed evil…yeah I said it…again 😛

All jokes aside this is a phenomenal book. I seriously recommend this trilogy to any Paranormal Romance lover…it is one of the best paranormal series I’ve read to date. You will be kept in suspense. The concept is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. The characters are faced with some incredible obstacles and tough decisions. Emma has one hell of a choice to make and although the book ends in a way that leaves me wondering if this can possibly go in a different direction later, I absolutely have no clue. I am astonished that Sara Mack might actually surprise me. It isn’t often that an author can do that to me so I must give credit where it’s due. I love that I am so unsure of what the final outcome will be and shocked at what has already come to pass.

What a story and boy do I love these characters…each and every one of them have managed to weasel their way into my heart and I am still torn between the love interests. This is a series that I can tell I have NO idea which way it will go and I can’t say I’d be angry with either outcome as all of these characters have been through hell and back. I just don’t know.

And now for some shouty capitals to express myself with a little oomph….THAT ENDING!!!! Brace yourselves!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE GUARDIAN AND I’LL BE BOLD AND SAY I CANNOT WAIT TO READ REBORN!!!!!!! Sara…you’re still evil!

I didn’t want to give away too much from this book just know there will be plenty of James AND Dane in this book and a whole host of new wonderful characters (and some not so wonderful)!!! This is a series you truly have to experience to understand how great it is.

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Buy It Now:

About the Author

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.

Connect with Sara:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Sep 16 2013

Alchemy Cover Reveal

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

“Do you want me to be dangerous?” he asked, his voice husky and low.
I gulped, and for a moment I was incapable of speech. But he was quiet, waiting. “No. I don’t.”
“Then I’m not dangerous at all,” he murmured. His gaze moved from my eyes to my mouth. “You’ve never been safer than you are at this moment.” I shivered as his breath tickled my skin. Our lips were mere millimeters apart when the sky shattered in a kaleidoscope of colored light.

We didn’t know how much we had to lose until we were infected with magic. Sam was in love, Juliette was the main caretaker for her siblings, and Ana and her dad planned the best parties in New York. But we lost it all when we were shipped to Chebeague, an exclusive school for newly infected mages.

Everyone knows about the mages, those who survive the infection and end up with magical abilities. We’ve seen the power of magic, the high-paying jobs, and the world fame. But we never saw the cost. We didn’t know we’d be forced to give up everything: sanity, family, even the right to talk on the phone.

We didn’t know mage was just another word for prisoner.

Sep 03 2013

Zoey Derrick’s Give Me A Reason Cover Reveal

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Give Me a Reason is slated for release September 24, 2013

This cover was created by Parajunkee

Synopsis

Vivienne Callahan has known only hardship. As if growing up with an alcoholic, drug addicted mother wasn’t traumatic enough, she’s escaped from her physically and verbally abusive boyfriend only to struggle every day to make ends meet as a waitress in a Minneapolis diner.

Along comes Mikah Blake, a handsome stranger who quickly takes an unexpected and persistent interest in her. On the surface, “Mr. Suit” seems to be Vivienne’s opposite: rich, well-fed, successful. As Vivienne will learn, Mikah is more than he seems, and for reasons unknown, he’s determined to be her knight in shining armor. But after having finally found her own two feet after years of abuse, it’s difficult for her to accept Mikah’s help.

Will her body’s unexpected response to Mikah’s touch be reason enough to overcome her pride and traumatic past and learn to love and trust? Or will her past, refusing to be left behind, come back to claim her?

EXCERPT:

He’s looking down at me, making me feel small at five feet two inches. He has to be at least six feet tall. Broad shoulders. His suit today is gunmetal grey with blue or black pin striping—I can’t tell which. His shirt is a beautiful lavender color with a darker purple tie.

“How do you know I’m not an addict?” I ask, softly.

He smiles at me, warm, genuine. “Because, you’ve come to return the money I left you last night as a tip.” My jaw falls open.

“How”—I swallow hard—”did you know?”

His smile fades a little. “Because, why else would you come down here?”

I close my mouth and look down at the floor. His ability to read me is really scary.

“Since you haven’t eaten since last night, I’m going to take you to lunch.”

I feel my face flush bright red, both in anger and complete irritation. “That is not why I’m here. I’ve survived for my entire life fending for myself, I don’t need some rich hot shot business mogul buying me food.” I reach into the pocket of my bag and pull the folded up paper from it. I thrust it towards him. He refuses to take it. Tears of frustration trickle down my cheeks. “Damn it Mikah, take it.” I push it at him again and again he refuses. “I’m not a damn charity case. I don’t need your money or your food.”

The bell chimes. We’ve finally reached the skyway. As soon as the doors open, I drop the folded up paper with his money in it and bolt from the elevator, turning left, hoping and praying I can get away.

“Vivienne, stop.” I hear him say behind me. I keep going, walking quickly but not running. Yet. I’m trying hard to not make a scene.

But he doesn’t seem to care about that. He catches me quickly, spins me around. I grab hold of his arm to catch my balance so I don’t go sprawling onto the floor.”

Stalk the Author

Aug 30 2013

Colour Wielders Book Blast & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess is hidden away.

Quinn Sinclair lives an ordinary life with her less-than-loving mother in Conifer, Colorado, clueless of her true nature. On the night of her birthday, a staggering betrayal sends her life spinning out-of-control. As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she is transported into a Magykal battle-forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine-Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm-tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks?

New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.

Chapter One Virgin Territory

Gentle fingertips grazed the edge of her jaw, trailing down her neck to her collarbone. His citrine gaze stared deeply into her eyes, and her body heated at his tender touch.

“You’re okay, yeah?” Thaene asked, his voice hoarse from their lovemaking.

Am I okay? She hardly knew. Though she had nothing to compare it to, this feeling was more than giving her virginity to him. Quinn felt like something bigger inside had stirred to life, wanting to escape.

“You know I love you. I’m sorry if it hurt.” He kissed her again, his lips caressing hers, as if he could take the ache away.

“Say something, Quinn. Please.”

“I love you, Thaene.” She pressed herself into him, passionately returning his affection. As their kiss continued, Quinn wondered if he wanted more. She also wondered if she had more to give.

“I want us together, always. Do you want that, Quinn?” Thaene’s eyes danced with a mixture of emotions—love, passion, possessiveness, and something else she couldn’t name.

“We can have forever. You want that, don’t you?” Thaene asked.

“Yes,” Quinn answered breathlessly, before realizing what she’d agreed to. She smiled, finding his need for her exciting.

“Forever is a long time. But I could do it with you.”

Thaene smiled back. Happiness lit his face. He looked like he’d just won a major prize—he looked triumphant.

“Being with you on your twenty-second birthday was very special to me. You’ve given me such a precious gift.”

“I love you. I can’t imagine my first time with anyone else.”

Besides, my gift of Sight showed you to me, over and over. How could I not give myself to you?

Her gift had shown her something else as well. Since she didn’t understand it, Quinn ignored it. She’d followed her heart where Thaene was concerned. Not even her mother’s dislike—or in spite of it— changed her mind. Following your heart always led you down the right path.

Thaene lightly brushed her hair from her face, then he rested his forehead on hers.

“There’s something else I’d like you to give me. Will you do that? Give me what I desire the most?”

The longing in his voice made Quinn squirm underneath him. Right now, she’d give him anything.

“It’s the most precious gift of all. One I’ll cherish forever.”

Oh my God. He wants to marry me.

“Yes,” Quinn said, drawing in a breath. “I’ll give you anything.”

“Good.” Thaene nuzzled her neck. “I want you to show me your Magyk.”

“What?” Quinn blinked at him, wondering if she’d heard him right.

“If you want us to have forever, you must show me your Magyk.”

Buy it…

Amazon † BN

Want a Review copy? Colour Wielders is live at Story Cartel, available for download for review. Also each review is entered for a chance at 3 $10 Amazon Gift Certificates. 🙂

Story Cartel – CLICK HERE.

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Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, Book One, is her debut novel. When she’s not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she’s a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Aug 30 2013

Cover Reveal of Allegiant by Sara Mack (Book 2 – The Guardian Trilogy)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

The ebook Cover

Synopsis

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.

It can return.

It can give you hope.

It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.

Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was.
And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

The Paperback Cover

About the Author

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Aug 26 2013

Guardian (The Guardian Trilogy #1) Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Synopsis

True love never dies.
Emma Donohue begs to differ.

When a late night accident claims the love of her life, Emma secludes herself in memories of James. In his sandy brown hair and clear blue eyes. In their innocent first kiss and declarations of love. In their plans for a life together after college. But happy dreams can’t rid her of the guilt she carries. She can’t erase her actions the night he died. She can’t erase her reaction at his funeral. And she can’t erase the hollow void that fills her chest and consumes her heart.

The first time Emma hears James’ voice, she’s astounded. It sounds as if he’s standing right beside her, and she fears her shattered heart is trying to drive her mad. But, as she continues to hear the voice, she finds comfort in it. With the help of her best friend Shel and handsome newcomer Dane, she tries to move forward and start living again.

Until the voice in her head turns out to be more. So much more.

You know what they say.
True love never dies.

This book contains moderate language/mild innuendo.
Guardian is the first story in The Guardian Trilogy.

*The second novel, Allegiant, is complete and due to be published in the fall of 2013.*

Review

Where do I begin? This story really got to me. The loss, the love, the struggles.
This was a beautifully penned beginning to what I can only imagine will be an outstanding trilogy.

Sara Mack creates a vivid world filled with love, loss and the void one feels in their struggle to move forward. Emma Donohue has experienced a world of pain. Her world is shattered when she loses the only man she’s ever loved, James.
He is her rock, her life, her love…until he’s gone. But is their love greater than even death?

James loves Emma — “until the end of forever.” After he tragically dies, Emma relives many of their memories. Oftentimes, she hears James’ voice but somehow it comforts her. She wishes for more of those moments and when they come, she clings to them with every fiber of her being. She wants more than anything to be with him again…

Enter Dane, handsome, rich and available….oh right, and not so dead. Emma and Dane grow close and their friendship reaches a crossroads when Dane risks his heart in hopes that Emma is ready to take a leap with him. Even after all she’s been through, he sticks by her and patiently waits hoping she’ll let him in as more than a friend.
Although James is dead, Emma battles with her feelings and the guilt eats away at her.

My issue with this book… plain and simple…

IT ENDED!

It ended and my jaw dropped.
Seriously Sara Mack is evil! She builds up this fabulous story only to leave you in utter suspense!
Yeah Sara, I said it! LOL

I was left wondering what in the hell will I do until Allegiant releases????!!!!

I fell in love with James, Dane and Emma. Emma will have quite a few decisions to make and I suspect this is just the beginning! I can’t even decide which guy I love more and that worries me because this trilogy could go either way and I don’t know that I could ever hate either of the paths! I am seriously stuck trying to figure out which team to root for! Hopefully Allegiant reveals some of my suspicions.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for any New Adult/Paranormal Romance fan. It is an absolutely beautiful story and will have you hooked.

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Buy Guardian for Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

Meet Emma

Name: Emma Lynn Donohue

Birthday: August 30, 1990

Parents: Dale and Marlene

Siblings: one older brother, Mike

College: Western Michigan University

Major: Business Management

Hobbies: Reading, homework, avoiding depression

Favorite teams/sports: Are you kidding me? None. Well, it used to be the FSU Bulldogs hockey team.

Favorite personality trait: Ha! Right now I’m not too happy with myself after what happened with Dane.

Least favorite personality trait: Feeling guilty 24/7

Meet James

Name: James Henderson Davis

Birthday: June 11, 1990

Parents: Eric and Carol

Siblings: None

College: Ferris State University (one year), Western Michigan University

Major: Business Management

Hobbies: Up until a few months ago it was club hockey

Favorite teams/sports: Hockey and football. Teams would be the Wings, the FSU Bulldogs, and mainly college ball.

Favorite personality trait: I’m pretty protective.

Least favorite personality trait: Is being dead a personality trait?

Meet Dane

Name: Dane Ryan Walker

Born: October 6, 1987

Parents: Charles and Lily (stepmom) Walker

Siblings: None

College: Wayne State University

Major: Fine Arts, Graphic Design

Hobbies: Trying to convince a certain girl that she’s in love with me. Oh, and creating art that doesn’t involve a computer. I also make the occasional trip to the golf course (if Matt twists my arm) and the gym.

Favorite teams/sports: Detroit Lions (yeah, I know), and the Tigers. I ran cross country in high school.

Favorite personality trait: I’m passionate.

Least favorite personality trait: Sometimes I have a one-track mind and it’s hard to concentrate on anything else.

About the author