Crow's Rest by Angelica R. Jackson Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Crow's Rest
by Angelica R. Jackson
Release Date: May 12th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Avery Flynn arrives for a visit at her Uncle Tam's, eager to rekindle her summertime romance with her crush-next-door, Daniel.
But Daniel’s not the sweet, neurotic guy she remembers—and she wonders if this is her Daniel at all. Or if someone—some thing—has taken his place.
Her quest to find the real Daniel—and get him back—plunges Avery into a world of Fae and changelings, where creatures swap bodies like humans change their socks, and magic lives much closer to home than she ever imagined. 

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

Crow’s Rest Book Trailer:

And check out the illustrated companion, A Compendium of the Faer Folke! Available as a free download!

Guest Post:

Top Ten Bad Titles for Crow’s Rest (there was a game going around Facebook for a while where you go to a random page and line in your book, and land on a short phrase—that phrase was then a Bad Title For Your Book. The funny thing is, some of them actually turn out really good. For this list, I randomly turned to a page and typed whatever phrase my finger stopped on) 

1. Daniel’s Mom Is Expecting Me for Dinner (this one is actually pretty apt) 

2. Threads of Weakened Laws (sounds kind of poetic, but more fitting for a literary lawyer novel) 

3. Uncle Tam Made a Face (again, somewhat apt, but explaining why is spoilery) 

4. Silence On The Other End (this one made me think of a fart joke) 

5. Blecch, It Even Smells Like One (I would be afraid to use this as a title, in case someone cruelly turned it against the book in a review, lol) 

6. His Smile Made Me Stumble (I actually like the romance feel of this one) 

7. There’s Nothing In Here On That (out of context, this one makes me feel...nothing) 

8. Where Did You Get That Spell? (I heard this one in a Valley Girl voice in my head, preceded by “Omigawd”) 

9. Daniel’s Hands (could go either sexy or sinister) 

10. Now Comes My Reward (again, sexy or sinister—or maybe that’s just the way my own mind works)

About the Author:

In keeping with her scattered Gemini nature, Angelica R. Jackson has far too many interests to list here.
She has an obsession with creating more writing nooks in the home she shares with her husband and two corpulent cats in California's Gold Country. Fortunately, the writing nooks serve for reading and cat cuddling too.
Other pastimes include cooking for food allergies (not necessarily by choice, but she’s come to terms with it), photography, and volunteering at a local no-kill sanctuary.
She blogs at Angelic Muse, and is a contributing member of Operation Awesome and the Fearless Fifteeners.

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Castle in the Air by Jennifer Tressen Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Castle in the Air
by Jennifer Tressen
Release Date: July 23rd 2015

Summary from Amazon:

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas has been called "America's Most Haunted Hotel" largely because of the events of the 1930s when Dr. Norman Baker ran a "cancer treatment hospital" which he called his "Castle in the Air." 
Follow the fictionalized story of Clara, the young, unwed pregnant niece of Dr. Baker who comes to help at the cancer center in exchange for room and board and finds things aren't quite what they appear to be. Caring for an ill young boy at the center she feels her maternal instincts kick in - something is definitely not right at her uncle's hospital. But what? Will she be able to piece together the clues in time to save herself and the boy? Or will be forever be doomed to reside in the Castle in the Air, where once you check in...you never leave. 

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Guest Post 

8 Tidbits about “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” – The Crescent Hotel

1. Originally opened in 1886 as a luxury resort. Later it was a girls’ conservatory, then the Baker Cancer Hospital and finally The Crescent Hotel.
2. The team from the show Ghost Hunters filmed an episode at the hotel and indeed found apparitions.
3. It is said that over 400 people died while under Dr. Baker’s “care” at the Baker Cancer Hospital.
4. Morris, a cat who lived in the hotel for 21 years, is still seen roaming the halls in ghost form.
5. There are at least 8 known apparitions which have been seen repeatedly with sightings of others reported as well.
6. Dr. Baker, the owner of the property in the late 1930s, was tried for mail fraud, practicing medicine without a license and other charges. He served four years in prison.
7. One person is known to have died during the original construction; a stone mason, who still is said to haunt rooms on the second floor.
8. The property has undergone several renovations through the years; however the ghosts have always remained.

About the Author

Jennifer Tressen is a wife, mother and writer. A former actor, she spent nearly ten years in the entertainment industry appearing in commercials, print ads and television shows. It was her love of storytelling that pushed her to the other side of the camera and sent her to film school at Chapman University. Although she entered as a Cinematography major, Jennifer graduated with a degree in Screenwriting after a single required screenwriting class forever changed her path. She found a passion for writing she had forgotten in her childhood. Everything she learned about screenwriting and especially storytelling she attributes to her mentor, the late Blake Snyder. 
After several years of writing and editing for producers and other screenwriters her curiosity led her into writing novels. As a huge fan of Young Adult and New Adult literature this is where her pen tends to lead her. However, she does have plans to release a few middle grade fiction and adult novels in the future.
Jennifer attributes her love of reading and writing to her mother who always reminded her of the power of literacy. Besides telling her and her siblings that they could do anything they wanted if they knew how to read and write, she said, "You can go anywhere in a book. You can be anyone."

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Island by Clarissa Johal Cover Reveal!

THE ISLAND 

By 

Clarissa Johal

Exploring a remote island can sometimes get you into trouble.
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons.
Emma Keller’s estranged grandmother has been missing for seven years. Emma journeys to her grandmother’s private island with the task of readying it for sale. Local rumors say it’s cursed, but she dismisses them as superstition. While there, she unearths a hidden cave, and is visited by two men soon after. Itu is well-spoken, though he hides his face in shadow. The other is more of a worry; with skin of alabaster, Thim’s feral presence sets her on edge. Emma discovers the island has a dark past. The two men aren’t human, but awakened demons…and they have their sights set on her.

Amazon Pre-Order Link

Barnes & Noble Pre-Order

About the Author. 

Clarissa Johal is the author of paranormal novels, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s swinging from a trapeze, or taking pictures of gargoyles. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters, and every stray animal that darkens their doorstep.

Connect with Clarissa on social media

Facebook

Amazon

Twitter

Website

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty Review!

Title: Serafina and the Black Cloak
Author: Robert Beatty
Pages: 304
Published: July 14th 2015
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Source: Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon/ Book Depository

"Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."
Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate.There's plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.
But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is:a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

My Thoughts:

I finished this months ago, because I was lucky enough to get an eARC, but completely forgot to write the review!! I know, bad, bad blogger. I actually thought I had it written but there you go. Anyway, long after finishing this, the characters and story are still in my head. I absolutely loved everything about this amazing book and have already recommended it to loads of people, both adults and kids. It's sufficiently creepy to give adults chills, but not so creepy for kids. 

I'm going to start with the setting first because it played a part in the overall creepiness of the book. We have an old grand home set into a mysterious forest. Everyone knows not to venture into it because weird things happen there. But when kids start disappearing, Serafina knows that if she doesn't do something to help then nobody will, because nobody believes Serafina when she tells them what she saw, a terrifying man in a black cloak who seems to swallow his victims. As I said, the setting was perfect, the woods themselves are creepy but add in an old house and it makes it that much better.

Then we have Serafina herself. She is one of the best characters I've read in a while. As it says in the blurb "None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember." She has to stay away from people in the house because if they found out that she was living there they could throw her and her dad out. Her dad gave her the job of being chief rat catcher for the house and she is good at what she does. She is light on her feet, fast and can fit into the tightest places. She is also brave and willing to help anyone, even if they stare at her because she looks different. I loved her spirit and her tenacity. My heart broke for her because all she wanted was to feel normal and have a friend. 

The plot of this was fast paced. I loved the simplicity of it, kids start disappearing and Serafina has to try to help. But it's also not so simple because the author weaves many different elements into it that it captivates and was magnificently written. 

In all this was an amazing story and one I can't recommend enough. It's atmospheric, enchanting and captivating and one that I won't forget. It may be a middle grade book but I think people of all ages will enjoy it. 

For No Apparent Reason by S.K. Derban Book Blitz and Giveaway!

For No Apparent Reason

by S.K. Derban 

Release Date: 11/10/13
Touch Point Press

273 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

A focused law student, romance has been absent from Madison’s life. She has successfully planned each phase of her life and resigned to the fact that there will be plenty of time for love after she passes the bar exam—that is, until the single act of seeking shelter from a spring downpour dramatically alters the course of her life.

Madison is lured away from the security of law school into a world where she learns about the destructive nature of greed. Thrust in a maze of money laundering and murder, Madison experiences the value of true friendship and witnesses the healing power of love. 

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

Dressed in the disguise of an old, frail-looking woman, Madison tottered behind the front hedges of the Livingston home. She studied the ground, and at times crouched to her knees for a closer view. Then, when finished with her cursory investigation, she lay prostrate on the cement and meticulously examined the debris caught between the grass and the circular driveway. Madison used tweezers to pick up and inspect each foreign particle from a small scrap of paper to a tiny section of broken rubber band. After more than an hour of inching her way along, she finally discovered something useful - several beige-colored fibers. She removed the unnecessary glasses of her disguise to better scrutinize her discovery. “Just what I thought,” Madison murmured softly, while twisting the rope fibers between her gloved fingers. “That settles it.” She opened a sandwich sized zip bag, inserted the fragment of fibers, and then secured it tightly. Madison removed her gloves and stretched out her cramped fingers. She wiped the excess moisture on her floral print dress. Madison repositioned her glasses and remained in character for the entire block until she rounded the corner to retrieve her truck. She had purposefully parked away from the view of any Livingston neighbors. With a broad smile on her face, and the confidence of a seasoned detective, Madison pressed the accelerator and headed for home.

About the Author

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the second world war. Derban's mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, Derban's life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connected by Kat Stiles Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Connected
by Kat Stiles
Release Date: 06/03/15
Wild Child Publishing
305 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

High school is hard enough, Em knows. Her freshman year introduced her to all the cliques, annoying teachers, and tough homework assignments. But discovering you have super powers and not knowing how to control them is a whole new level of complicated.
Thankfully, Em isn't alone. Her best friend Roz starts having unusual dreams that come true, and Tommy, Em's secret crush, can hear the softest whispers in class.
A romance blossoms with Tommy. But just as things are looking up, people start dropping like flies. A telepathic serial killer is on the loose and only Em and her friends have a hope of stopping him.
Or do they? If they don't figure out the killer's identity soon, one of them could be next.​

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

Author Interview:

Q: What was your inspiration for Connected?
I guess I’m a super hero geek at heart. I grew up watching Spiderman, X-men and Superfriends cartoons, and I loved the idea of having super powers. The superhero movies that came out delighted me, even the bad ones were still so much fun. And I remember wishing the series, “Heroes” would go on forever. With Connected, I tried to keep the abilities as organic as possible – something just a little beyond what a normal human can do. I’ve met some pretty incredible people in my life, and my experiences greatly influenced the writing of Connected. 

Q: Do you have any other genre you’d like to try your hand at?
Horror, my first love. Though I think a horror/comedy would be much more fun to write than a serious one. Something along the lines of David Wong or Christopher Moore. Or maybe something non-fiction, really there are endless possibilities. 

Q: Does Em share any of your characteristics?
It’s no coincidence that Em backwards is “me.” Certainly my teenage self was very much like her...it would be easier to list the differences. Let’s see, I really loved my English classes growing up, I didn’t have a gorgeous, popular best friend, and I had a very loving relationship with my mother.

Q: Do you have any favorite authors in YA Paranormal Romance? Or ones that have influenced you more than others?
Oh boy there are so many... Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth definitely all influenced me. Amanda Hocking and Abbi Glines in particular also inspired me. Love the Cinder series by Marissa Meyer, though I’m not sure that’s YA Paranormal Romance, maybe more sci-fi. Indies I like in the genre are Chanda Hahn, Lori Brighton, and Keary Taylor. 

Q: Do you have anything else in the works?
Yes, I’m almost done with the second book in the Connected series. I also have some ideas for a series of novellas I’m excited about, which may tie into the Connected world. 

Q: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?
The amount of work it takes, to edit and make a book readable for other humans. I always wonder if it’s different for other writers, if they’re able to just clean up their manuscripts in a couple of drafts and be ready. For me, even after all the edits I’ve done, I still wonder if there’s something I missed, some better way to convey an emotion or draw out a scene. 

Now for some fun questions:

Q: What one modern technology do you think you could live without? (Not that you’d like it, but you could if you had to.)
Cell phones, believe it or not. I remember when I was growing up, when you were out, you were out – no way for anyone to reach you short of coming to the restaurant or calling it and having someone page you. Now it seems everyone is texting or playing some game all the time, it’s like we’ve forgotten how wonderful it is to just be with each other. 

Q: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, what would it be and what would you eat?
Oooh I think it would have to be Joseph Heller (Catch-22 is my favorite book). Either him or David Wong (John Dies at the End is a close second). My cuisine choice would undoubtedly be calzones, at an amazing Italian restaurant that cooks Jersey style. 

Q: Chocolate, bacon, chocolate with bacon, or none of the above?
That’s an easy one, chocolate. White chocolate to be specific, which I know isn’t technically chocolate, but it’s delicious nonetheless. 

Q: Is there one talent you wished you had (besides writing)?
More musical talent, I think. I have this gorgeous string bass, and it’s been so long since I’ve played, I’d have to take lessons to remember how! I admire people who can play by ear, I’ve always needed the sheet music. 


Q: Any last words? 
Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)IT’S A COOKBOOK!! Sorry, I’m a bit of a Twilight Zone geek. I guess my last words are simply this – Readers: please reach out to me, let me know how you enjoyed Connected. My links are below, I’m thrilled to actually get to connect with people and hear what they think of the book or chat about whatever, as long as you’re not a stalker after a body part.

About the Author

Kat Stiles is a super hero geek at heart. She grew up watching Spiderman, X-men and Superfriends cartoons, and she loved the idea of having super powers. The superhero movies that came out delighted her; even the bad ones were still so much fun. And she remembers wishing the series, “Heroes” would go on forever. With Connected, she tried to keep the abilities as organic as possible – something just a little beyond what a normal human can do. She’s met some pretty incredible people in her life, and her experiences greatly influenced the writing of Connected.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway